Seven years after Chester Bennington’s death, Linkin Park has a new singer. But shortly after her introduction as front woman, criticism arose against Emily Armstrong.
Linkin Park has found a new singer in Emily Armstrong, seven years after the tragic death of frontman Chester Bennington. The news caused a stir among fans and music experts last week. But it wasn’t long before the first – negative – reports about Armstrong emerged. The new line-up at Linkin Park was also hotly debated on social media.
Linkin Park: Emily Armstrong supported Danny Masterson
Armstrong’s alleged connection to Scientology quickly became a topic of discussion. Photos show that Armstrong attended an event organized by the religious movement in 2013. However, it is not known whether she is a member of Scientology.
What is worse for many fans online, however, is Armstrong’s connection to one of the most controversial Scientology members, actor Danny Masterson. In the spring of last year, the “That ’70s Show” actor was found guilty of several counts of rape. His sentence: 30 years in prison. In court, Masterson received support from Emily Armstrong, among others. The singer was present during the trial in 2022.
Artist names
From Katy Perry to Bill Clinton: These celebrities actually have different names
Fans are angry
“I’m sick of seeing people getting upset about this new Linkin Park singer. Emily Armstrong is a well-known Scientologist and Danny Masterson follower. I know Chester wouldn’t have wanted this,” said one fan of the band on X, formerly Twitter. “As a lifelong Linkin Park fan, it breaks my heart that Chester’s iconic voice has been replaced by a high-ranking Scientologist,” said another fan. Chester Bennington revealed years before his death that he was sexually abused as a child. A trauma that led to addictions and mental problems. “I don’t feel comfortable supporting someone who is closely associated with a cult and a sexual predator, knowing that Chester was a victim of sexual abuse,” explained one fan.
Armstrong has since defended himself. “A few years ago, I was asked to support someone I thought was a friend in a court hearing and went to an early hearing as an observer. Soon after, I realized I shouldn’t have done that,” she wrote on Instagram. “I always try to see the good in people and I misjudged him. I have never spoken to him since. Unimaginable details came to light and he was later found guilty,” the musician said online. She ended her post with another clarification: “To be as clear as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women and I sympathize with the victims of these crimes.”
Sources: / X
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
