Linkin Park’s new lead singer has addressed online criticism of Scientologists and her past endorsements That 70’s Show Actor Danny Masterson, who was convicted in September 2023 of raping two women and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Just as Linkin Park announced that Dead Sara singer Emily Armstrong had joined the band, her appearance at Masterson’s initial court hearing sparked outrage online.
Now, Armstrong has responded Instagram story post.
“Hi, I’m Emily,” she wrote. “I’m new to many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about an incident that happened a while ago.
“Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend in court, and went to the preliminary hearing as an observer. Soon, I realized I shouldn’t be. I always try to see the good in people, and I misjudged it. I have never spoken to him since.
“Unbelievable details emerged and he was later found guilty.
“To be as clear as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I sympathize with the victims of these crimes.”
Masterson was convicted of raping two women at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003 while he was starring. That 70’s Show.
Former scientists, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, singer of The Mars Volta, and his wife, Chrissy Carnell-Bixler, led the criticism of Armstrong. Carnell-Bixler was one of the women who accused Masterson of sexual assault but was not convicted of those charges.
“Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend,” Bixler-Zavala wrote in a retweeted comment posted on Dead Sara’s Instagram page. “I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Masterson’s behalf since your corny a-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 he Trying to leave the elevators? The sheriffs of the court had to take her away from your horrible cult… How would you reconcile the teachings of homosexuality. [church founder L. Ron Hubbard’s] Book Dianetics?”
Masterson Oct. Married singer and actress Bijou Phillips in 2011 and had a daughter together in 2014. However, after Masterson was sentenced to prison, Phillips filed for divorce and reportedly left the Church of Scientology, of which both she and Masterson were members.
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