In a recent internet sensation, the emergence of Emily Armstrong as the new co-songwriter for Linkin Park alongside Mike Shinoda has stirred up strong emotions among fans.
During a live performance in Los Angeles, the band welcomed 38-year-old Dead member Sara as the newest member to join the vocal lineup.
Armstrong’s debut coincided with the premiere of Linkin Park’s latest track, “The Emptiness Machine,” from their highly anticipated album “From Zero,” which is scheduled for release on November 15.
It didn’t take long for fans to learn about the new Linkin Park member, and two controversial aspects of her life have come to light.
Emily Armstrong’s Controversies
In discussions on social media platforms, people have shared insights into Armstrong’s connection to the Church of Scientology.
The 38-year-old musician was spotted at the Church of Scientology’s 44th Anniversary Gala event held in 2013. Among the celebrities present at the event on August 24, 2013 in Los Angeles, Armstrong was a notable attendee.
The current status of her relationship with the controversial church, often referred to as a “cult”, remains uncertain.
In addition to causing a stir among fans, the rock star’s presence at the trial and subsequent sentencing of convicted felon Danny Masterson in 2022 also surprised many.
Masterson, convicted of two sexual assaults that occurred in 2001 and 2003, was sentenced to three decades in prison.
However, the current status of the relationship between Armstrong and Masterson remains uncertain.
It’s ironic that Linkin Park’s new lead singer, Emily Armstrong, is a known member of the infamous Scientology cult and appeared in support of Danny Masterson at his trial in 2022, where he was charged and later convicted of two counts of rape in 2024. pic.twitter.com/PjofVLLU73
— ana (@chrrybridgers) September 6, 2024
But that hasn’t stopped Linkin Park fans from expressing anger over the band’s recent decision to let Armstrong become a member.
According to X user @MichellePinsky, “1. Why does LP need to reform. Let the band go. Start a new band. No one can replace Chester. 2. It’s great that they added a woman but EMILY!? Scientology f******g supporting Danny Masterson?! Go away. 3. Her voice is terrible. She doesn’t fit this style.”
“I was excited for a Linkin Park reunion until I found out about Emily’s ties to Scientology and Danny Masterson. I don’t feel comfortable supporting someone who is closely associated with a cult and a sexual abuser when I know Chester was a victim of SA and DV,” wrote @JeremayaYT.
@JordanLR7 suggested, “Emily Armstrong has a beautiful voice. But that doesn’t mean she’s exempt from joining a cult (Scientology) and knowingly endorsing drugs. Do better Linkin Park; I don’t think this is how you want your band to go down.”
READ MORE: Linkin Park appoints Chester Bennington as replacement, new drummer ahead of band’s reunion tour
However, some Reddit users were quick to defend Armstrong.
Some say it’s important for fans to suspend their judgment before the band or Armstrong directly confront the controversies surrounding them.
They claim that Armstrong was present during the early stages of Masterson’s trial. It is unclear whether she has taken any steps to distance herself since then, or how her views of Masterson, and her relationship with him, may have changed since then.
“But I wouldn’t rush to cancel someone right away when there’s a chance Emily has a troubled past that’s changed her outlook on life and her beliefs.”
Another wrote, “This girl’s been in the band less than a day and you bastards are already trying to kick her out. After Chester’s passing, the lyrics on his last album and his struggles with mental health, don’t you see this having the same effect?”
“Imagine replacing someone as legendary as that, and within 24 hours, people were trying to find reasons for her to leave. It’s sad.”
Another Redditor suggested, “If we have to analyze every single detail of every music artist’s personal information, you’re better off throwing your entire music collection in the trash.”
READ MORE: Linkin Park Could Reunite With Female Singer For 2025 Tour: Report
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