Linkin Park's newest member Emily Armstrong has responded to outrage over her connections to convicted rapist Danny Masterson - claiming that she was 'supporting a friend' but 'misjudged' the situation.
via: Rolling Stone
New Linkin Park singer Emily Armstrong has responded to claims that she supported Danny Masterson during the convicted actor’s rape trial. On Friday, hours after Armstrong premiered as Linkin Park’s new vocalist, the Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala turned to social media to resurface claims that Armstrong — then the singer of the band Dead Sara — “showed up to support him in the prelims” ahead of Masterson’s trial in 2020; Bixler-Zavala’s wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, was one of several women who accused Masterson of sexual assault.
'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 she was trying to leave the elevators? The court sheriffs had to escort her away from your awful cult," Bixler-Zavala wrote to Armstrong, who has ties to the Church of Scientology.
'Remember when we did the purification run down Emily? Were you directed to safepoint me cuz of what my wife knew? Why can't you shut your mouth during a detox program where people are going through some rough shit but your corny ass is singing like an unsupervised child?
'Is it cuz you're a born in Scientologist that gets a pass? How do you reconcile the homophobia found in the teachings of LRH's [L Ron Hubbard, Scientology founder] book "Dianetics"? Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend?,' he had ragefully written.
Hours after Bixler-Zavala’s post, Armstrong addressed the situation in her Instagram Stories, writing that her support of Masterson only spanned the one hearing, and that she became convinced of the actor’s guilt soon after.
“I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back,” she wrote. “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.”
In a seperate social media post Friday, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler called Armstrong a “hardcore Scientologist who supported convicted serial rapist both in and out of court.” “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 [sexual assaults] on children and adults.”
Armstrong herself did not address her ties to Scientology or the allegations against the Church in her statement, but added, “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.” Linkin Park revealed their return as a band Thursday night with a performance at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, the group’s first gig together since an October 2017 tribute concert to late singer Chester Bennington.
The reformed Linkin Park — with Armstrong and new drummer Colin Brittain — will embark on a six-city international tour this month before releasing their new album From Zero in November. However, soon after the reunion was announced, guitarist Brad Delson revealed that he would not be joining Linkin Park on the road, but will remain a member in an offstage capacity. “Over the years I’ve realized I thrive most when I’m actively working with my bandmates behind the scenes––in the studio, collaborating on our new music, and helping build our live show,” Delson said in a statement.
She may have broken her silence to cool down the controversy, but in her letter (which, based on the videos I've watched from ex-Scientologists had to be approved by the church in order for it to be released) doesn't really take accountability for her participation in harassing the Jane Doe during Danny's trial.
To me it feels like an empty non-apology apology. This also looks bad on Linkin Park for hiring a singer who is part of a cult that will be covering songs sung by a victim of child abuse when she is part of a church that condones it.
She needs to do better with denouncing Danny Masterson and his assaulting of two women, and needs to apologize for her involvement in creating an unsafe envoronment for the Jane Doe's.
When people are close to an individual, they don't want to believe that they would be capable of rape.
However if all the evidence is laid out on the table clear as day, there comes a time in one's life that they have to take a bold stand and distance themselves from someone who is problematic.
I happened to come across a YouTube video that breaks down what it's like to be a child raised in Scientology that would help understand Emily's mindset.
After watching the video, I'd love for those defending Emily and treating her like she's a victim will still support her being part of Linkin Park.
You can check out that video below...
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