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Linkin Park, one of the world’s greatest bands, made a comeback after a seven-year hiatus following the tragic death of their iconic frontman, Chester Bennington. On September 5, the band announced their latest music with a new co-lead singer, Emily Armstrong.
Emily Armstrong | image: Elekes Andor, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons However, the announcement has stirred controversy among fans due to Armstrong’s rumored connections with Scientology and Danny Masterson. Here’s the full scoop on the situation.
The Full Story of Danny Masterson’s Legal Trail and Sentencing
Danny Masterson, popularly known as Steven from That ’70s Show first made headlines in 2017 when allegations of sexual assault surfaced against him. As per US Magazine reports, in March 2017, four women accused Masterson of sexually assaulting them in the early 2000s. A fifth woman came forward in December 2017, alleging that Masterson had repeatedly r*ped her during their relationship.
In June 2020, Masterson faced charges for allegedly r*ping three women. He pleaded not guilty to all three counts in January 2021. His initial trial in the fall of 2022 ended in a mistrial, but he was retried in the spring of 2023 and convicted of two counts of charges.
Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson in That ’70s Show | FoxLA Times reported, the Los Angeles Police Department began investigating the claims in March 2017, but no charges were filed until three years later. Masterson was arrested on June 17, 2020, and released on $3.3 million bail. In September 2023, Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison. That same month, his wife, Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce.
The Controversy Surrounding Emily Armstrong and Her Connection to Danny Masterson
Amid the buzz surrounding Emily Armstrong’s addition to Linkin Park as its new co-vocalist, a wave of unsettling allegations has surfaced online. Armstrong made her debut with the revamped band during a one-hour global livestream concert from Los Angeles on September 5. The performance featured a fresh take on Linkin Park’s classics, and their latest The Emptiness Machine.
Since the announcement of the Dead Sara artist joining Linkin Park, a wave of serious allegations have surfaced, casting a shadow over her debut. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Armstrong has alleged connections with Scientology. Moreover, it has been alleged that she provided support to Danny Masterson during his trial, further fueling the controversy.
Compounding these issues, a photograph from seven years ago has resurfaced showing Armstrong at a Scientology Celebrity Centre gala. At the event, she was seen with Cedric Bixler-Zavala, a former Scientologist and rocker. Bixler-Zavala’s connection to the scandal is particularly notable as he is now married to Chrissie Carnell Bixler, one of Masterson’s accusers. This network of associations has only intensified the debate and concern among fans and observers.
Linkin Park at the Novarock Festival | image: fortysix_vie, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Here is what fans are saying,
funny how linkin park’s new lead singer emily armstrong is a known member of the infamous scientology cult and showed up to support danny masterson at his trial in 2022 where he was accused and was later found guilty of two counts of r*pe in 2024 pic.twitter.com/PjofVLLU73
— ana (@chrrybridgers) September 6, 2024Emily Armstrong is a militant Scientologist and a key apologist for convicted Scientologist rapist Danny Masterson.
Absolutely disgusting decision by Linkin Park. https://t.co/VNOXeOEt48
If a bunch of Twitter Stan accounts can find out Emily Armstrong is a member of the Scientology cult and defended a rapist then I’m positive that one of the biggest bands of this generation could’ve. Growing up really is just your favorite bands disappointing you. I’m sad. 🥲
— StrangeGracie🖤🌙 (@RFreakforlife) September 6, 2024Sick of seeing people excited about this new Linkin Park singer. Emily Armstrong is a known scientologist and Danny Masterson supporter.
Chester wouldn’t have wanted this, I know that.
Armstrong has yet to address the rumors and allegations swirling around her. Until she provides clarity, the validity of these claims remains uncertain. For now, nothing can be confirmed until further evidence or official statements emerge.
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