Linkin Park Singer Emily Armstrong Addresses Past Friendship with Danny Masterson Amid Backlash
Linkin Park’s new co-vocalist, Emily Armstrong, has released a statement addressing her past friendship and support for actor Danny Masterson, who was accused of rape by multiple women, including the wife of At the Drive In’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala. Masterson was eventually convicted on two counts of rape during a retrial.
Armstrong’s statement was shared on her Instagram stories and provides clarity on her actions and thoughts regarding her former association with Masterson.
The Controversy Surrounding Danny Masterson
In 2017, Masterson was accused of rape by multiple women, including Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, the wife of At the Drive In and The Mars Volta singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala. The actor was subsequently arrested and faced a trial, during which several women testified against him. In 2023, Masterson was found guilty on two counts of rape and acquitted on the third count.
The backlash against Armstrong was sparked when she was announced as Linkin Park’s new co-vocalist, leading to criticism from Carnell-Bixler and other fans of the band. Carnell-Bixler accused Armstrong of being involved with the Church of Scientology, which she claimed harassed her and her husband after she initially filed charges against Masterson.
What Emily Armstrong Had to Say
In her statement, Armstrong acknowledged her past friendship with Masterson and clarified that she attended one early hearing as an observer but later realized she had made a mistake. She stressed that she does not condone abuse or violence against women and empathizes with the victims of these crimes.
Armstrong’s full statement reads:
"Hi, I’m Emily. 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."
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Linkin Park’s new singer Emily Armstrong serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of the associations we make and the harm they can cause. As artists, we have a responsibility to promote positivity, respect, and empathy in our actions and words. While Armstrong’s statement provides clarification on her past actions, it is crucial that she continues to learn from this experience and promote a positive and respectful message through her music and personal life.
FAQs
Q: What does Emily Armstrong’s statement regarding her past friendship with Danny Masterson reveal?
A: Armstrong acknowledges her mistake in supporting Masterson, clarifies that she no longer associates with him, and emphasizes her condemnation of abuse and violence against women.
Q: Why did Armstrong attend a court hearing in support of Masterson?
A: Armstrong claimed that she was asked to support her friend and attended the hearing as an observer. However, she later realized she made a mistake and has never spoken with Masterson since.
Q: What impact does this controversy have on Linkin Park’s fans and the band’s legacy?
A: The backlash surrounding Armstrong’s past friendship with Masterson may damage the band’s reputation among some fans. However, Linkin Park’s ability to adapt and evolve by incorporating new talent and addressing controversies head-on may also strengthen their bond with loyal fans.
Q: Will Linkin Park’s music be affected by this controversy?
A: It remains to be seen how Armstrong’s past association with Masterson will impact the band’s music. However, Linkin Park’s reputation for creating meaningful and cathartic music suggests that the controversy may not significantly detract from their artistic message.
Q: What should fans expect from Linkin Park’s upcoming album, "From Zero," and live shows?
A: Fans can expect a continuation of Linkin Park’s signature sound and style in their upcoming album and live shows. Armstrong’s inclusion in the band may introduce new creative elements and depth to their music. However, the controversy surrounding her past association with Masterson may influence the tone and focus of their upcoming music.