After revealing singer Emily Armstrong as the group’s newest member, Linkin Park faced backlash over her past ties to the Church of Scientology and her public support of convicted actor Danny Masterson.
Dead Sara’s lead singer addressed the controversy in a recent Instagram Story post: “I’m new to a lot of you and I want to clear up something that happened a while ago.”
“A few years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at trial, and went to an early hearing as an observer. I soon realized I shouldn’t have done that. I always try to see the good in people, and I misjudged him. I have never spoken to him since.”
“Unbelievable details emerged and he was subsequently convicted,” the rock star continued. “To put it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I sympathize with the victims of these crimes.”
While some Linkin Park fans are starting to look beyond the recent controversy, others are raising doubts about Armstrong’s credibility regarding her decision to speak out only after joining one of the world’s most famous rock bands.
@iSupernovaCat wrote on X, “Why did she only speak up now, when she’s already the lead singer of a famous band? Why not then?”
@TaigasRevenge replied, “They only speak when the truth is exposed to the whole world; she would never have spoken if this incident had not been exposed.”
Meanwhile, one Instagram user commented on a photo of Armstrong and Mike Shinoda on the singer’s post, “The apology is hollow. I don’t know how you can honestly stand in the shoes of Chester, who eventually committed suicide due to sexual abuse, after supporting a man who was then accused (and then convicted and sentenced to 30 years to life, horrifyingly) of raping multiple women.”
“There is no excuse and saying ‘I thought I knew him’ tells us that you think the victims were lying. Victims like Chester, me and countless others.”
“You don’t represent Linkin Park. It’s a shame. And you’re a woman, you know better than men that we’re always doubted and not believed. And you contributed to that yourself and Danny’s victims.”
One Reddit user suggested that Armstrong may have left out certain details, alleging that she was involved in intimidating witnesses during the trial.
Commenting on a post on the subreddit, the user asserted, “Well, she didn’t mention that she helped intimidate the victims at the trial to the point where they had to be escorted out by the sheriff. And ‘as soon as I realized I shouldn’t’ is how soon? Because to this day, she still stalks his and his ex-wife’s social media accounts.”
“The public relations response has been lukewarm and expected,” they added.
Another person responded to the comment, “She was involved in intimidating witnesses in the hallway leading into the courtroom. It was public, there were witnesses, and this was gang-style intimidation of sexual assault victims. The word ‘oh’ doesn’t really cover it all.”
READ MORE: Linkin Park appoints Chester Bennington as replacement, new drummer ahead of band’s reunion tour
Another Reddit user recently posted a similar post explaining why Armstrong finally spoke out.
They explained that according to Scientology beliefs, leaving the organization quietly is generally accepted, while publicly criticizing the organization or announcing one’s departure in public is considered a serious offense.
However, they believe Armstrong is still affiliated with the group.
The Redditor also said that in the event she leaves, Armstrong will keep her decision secret to avoid potential consequences, such as being seen as an oppressive individual or being isolated from loved ones still affiliated with the organization.
“[Armstrong is] is a second-generation member and was raised in Scientology, so the religion is deeply ingrained in her upbringing and identity.”
“It is important to understand the intense pressure members face to maintain loyalty and silence, as well as the potential consequences of speaking up. Her choice to remain silent on this topic is not necessarily an endorsement, but it may reflect the complex, often coercive dynamics at play within the organization.”
Another Redditor suggested the idea that if Armstrong can’t publicly condemn the Scientology sect, then Linkin Park should choose a different frontman.
“There were rumors that they were hiring another woman, but for some reason they decided to go with someone who was involved in a cult.”
READ MORE: Emily Armstrong’s controversial past leaves Linkin Park questioning choice of new singer
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