The Mars Volta founder criticises new Linkin Park singer for support of Danny Masterson
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(Credit: Biha/Elekes Andor)
The news of Linkin Park’s return with a new singer has immediately been damned. Rock band The Mars Volta have criticised the decision to have Emily Armstrong as the band’s new vocalist due to her past connection to Danny Masterson, the convicted rapist and former actor.
On September 5th, Linkin Park made their comeback. In 2021, the band had previously stated, “Now is not the time [for the band’s return].” Following the death of their original singer Chester Bennington, they said, “We don’t have the focus on it. We don’t have the math worked out. And I don’t mean that by financially math, I mean that like emotional and creative math.”
However, it seems that by 2024, they’re finally ready to go again. The idea of a reunion began being whispered about earlier this year as booking agencies reportedly had offers to work with the band, featuring a new female vocalist in Bennington’s place. Now, it’s been announced that the singer in question is Emily Armstrong.
Armstrong co-fronted Dead Sara from the early 2000s. She has fans in high places in the form of Grace Slick, Courtney Love and Muse, and now, she’s been welcomed into the world of Linkin Park to take on the difficult role and shoes left by the tragic loss of Bennington.
However, questions have been raised about her previous connection to Danny Masterson, a Scientologist and former actor who was sentenced to 30 years to life for rape. Armstrong once considered him a “friend” and attended one of his early court hearings.
The Mars Volta have spoken out about this situation and Armstrong’s suspected connections to Scientology. “@linkinpark’s new lead singer is a hardcore Scientologist who supported convicted serial rapist both in and out of court,” Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler wrote on social media.
Their allegations were heavy as Carnell-Bixler wrote, “Emily Armstrong is a true believer of the Scientology cult/criminal organization that engages in human and child trafficking, child and elder abuse, the coverups of countless SAs on children and adults. Also is a true believer of LRH who said Homosexuals are sexual deviants on the same level as pedophiles and all homosexuals should be sent off to a leper colony.”
Comments have also resurfaced from last year when Bixler-Zavala wrote on the Dead Sara’s Instagram account, “I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Mastersons behalf since your corny ass singer showed up to support him in the prelims. Remember Emily?” He continued, “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.” After a lengthy comment alleging Armstrong’s role in the church of Scientology, he concluded, “Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend.”
In a statement, Armstrong addressed her connection to Masterson and her presence at his trial. “Soon after, I realized I shouldn’t have,” Armstrong said. “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,” she concluded.
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