Armstrong said she went to one early hearing in the Danny Masterson rape trial “as an observer”

New Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong has issued a statement addressing her previous support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson.

Yesterday, the band announced their comeback through a livestream event, where they revealed the addition of Armstrong, formerly of Dead Sara, as their new singer, alongside new drummer Colin Brittain.

They performed a new song, ‘The Emptiness Machine’, some Linkin Park classics, and announced a new album ‘From Zero’ and a short supporting world tour with six shows across the globe.

The initially warm reception to Armstrong soured within hours of the announcement after a message sent by The Mars Volta‘s Cedric Bixler-Zavala about her alleged links to Scientology and Masterson began to recirculate on social media.

So many people took to X/Twitter to express their disappointment – particularly in light of the sexual abuse Chester Bennington suffered – that Masterson’s name was trending yesterday (September 6).

According to a screenshot of a post on his Instagram story that tagged Dead Sara, Bixler-Zavala wrote in 2023: “I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Masterson’s behalf since your corny ass singer showed up to support him in the prelims.

“Remember Emily? Remember how your fellow Scientologist goon squad surrounded one of the Jane Doe’s when she was trying to leave the elevators? The court sheriffs had to escort her away from your awful cult.

“Remember when we did the purification run down Emily? Were you directed to safepoint me cuz of what my wife knew? Why can’t you shut your mouth during a detox program where people are going through some rough shit but your corny ass is singing like an unsupervised child?

“Is it cuz you’re a born in Scientologist that gets a pass? How do you reconcile the homophobia found in the teachings of LRH’s [L Ron Hubbard, Scientology founder] book Dianetics? Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend?”

She has now addressed her ties to Masterson, writing: “Hi, I’m Emily,” in an Instagram story post this morning (September 7). “I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back.

“Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance, and went to one early hearing as an observer. Soon after, I realized I shouldn’t have. I always try to see the good in people, and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since.

“Unimaginable details emerged and he was later found guilty. To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes.”

Masterson, best known for starring in US sitcom That ‘70s Show and Netflix series The Ranch, was convicted on two of three rape charges in May 2023. That September, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.

During the trial, prosecutors argued Masterson had used his “untouchable” position in the Church of Scientology to avoid accountability for raping women.

Bixler-Zavala’s wife Chrissie Carnell Bixler had also accused Masterson of raping her while they were in a relationship, having testified in 2022 and previously issued a separate civil lawsuit against him. However, the jury was split on the charge relating to her allegations. Eight of the twelve members of the jury favoured guilty, but he was neither convicted nor acquitted.