The new lead singer of Linkin Park sparked controversy because of her affiliation with the Church of Scientology and Danny Masterson. Emily Armstrong was announced as the band’s new singer in a live stream on Thursday (September 5), replacing the late Chester Bennington.
It didn’t take long for Linkin Park fans to dig up some dirt on the 38-year-old vocalist, who joined the Californian rock band alongside Colin Brittain, who joined as the new drummer.
The new lead singer of Linkin Park sparked controversy
Image credits: James Minchin III/Variety
Scientology has often been labeled as a dangerous cult due to its secretive practices, aggressive treatment of critics, and strict control over members.
Famous allegations against the organization include claims of financial exploitation, psychological manipulation, and forced disconnection, where members are separated from family members who criticize the church.
Emily, who previously dropped out of high school to chase her dream career, was seen attending the Church of Scientology’s 44th Anniversary Gala back in 2013, The Mirror reported on Friday (September 6).
Image credits: emilyarmstrong
The musician was reportedly one of many celebrities who attended the event, which took place on August 24, 2013, in Los Angeles, USA.
Former model Leilani Dowding, John Travolta, and sitcom star Jenna Elfman reportedly all appeared to attend the event.
In one particular photograph, Emily was seen posing alongside fellow musician Cedric Bixler-Zavala from the band Mars Volta.
Emily Armstrong was announced as the band’s new singer in a live stream on September 5, replacing the late Chester Bennington
Image credits: linkinpark/applemusic
The most controversial relation to Scientology, which has left fans stunned, was Emily’s connection to Danny Masterson. That ‘70s Show actor was sentenced to a term of 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in 2023.
The 48-year-old is notably a Scientologist, as were his victims at the time of the assaults. Moreover, the Church of Scientology’s attempts to silence the victims and its subsequent interference resulted in a 20-year delay in bringing the crimes to justice.
It is currently unclear whether Emily has any contact with Danny. However, as of Friday, the songstress still followed the actor and his ex-wife, Bijou Phillips, on Instagram.
Emily was seen attending the Church of Scientology’s 44th Anniversary Gala back in 2013
Image credits: Ava Clithero/CoS
A handful of people expressed their concerns on social media, as a Threads user wrote: “Emily Armstrong is a known Scientologist and Danny Masterson supporter.”
A person commented: “Remember when I said I liked the Emily Armstrong pick? Yeah, no. She was in support of Danny Masterson.
“That’s a choice. So yeah, no more Linkin Park for me.”
Someone else penned: “Sorry but I can’t get behind someone who supported Danny Masterson.”
The most controversial relation to Scientology, which has left fans stunned, was Emily’s connection to Danny Masterson
Image credits: Lucy Nicholson – Pool/Getty Images
A separate individual chimed in: “Disconcerting information is coming out alleging that Emily supports Danny Masterson and rallied for him at his trial.
“This is something I cannot get behind if true. Damn it.”
During Danny’s arraignment in Los Angeles back in 2020, his attorney, Tom Mesereau, filed a demurrer, an unusual move in a criminal case, in an attempt to dismiss charges before a plea was entered.
The proceedings, expected to be brief, were delayed by hours due to the actor arriving with a large entourage, forcing the court to limit his supporters, including several Scientologist friends, Tony Ortega, a journalist known for exposing Scientology, reported at the time.
Image credits: emilyarmstrong
Tony further described: “Left on the outside were several of Masterson’s longtime friends, which included fellow Scientologist Emily Armstrong, lead singer of Dead Sara.
“And hearing that name, we remembered that she was photographed at a Scientology Celebrity Centre annual gala seven years ago with fellow rocker (and then Scientologist) Cedric Bixler-Zavala, who is now married to one of Masterson’s accusers, Chrissie Carnell Bixler.”
During Danny’s proceedings last year, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo attentively considered the testimonies of the women who had been sexually assaulted over two decades ago during the peak of his career.