Linkin Park are back together, but their reunion has already been marred by controversy. The band’s new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong was part of a group of Scientologists who showed up at the courthouse to support That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson during his 2020 rape trial, where he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. The choice to have Armstrong fill in for the late Chester Bennington received quite a bit of backlash, notably from Cedric Bixler-Zavala of the Mars Volta/At The Drive-In. His wife Chrissie Carnell-Bixler was one of the four women who pursued rape charges against Masterson, and now, she has spoken out against Armstrong as well.
What?
The new lead singer is a scientologist who supports rapists.
Damn. I might have enjoyed some new Linkin park but all this shit is so stupid. Who am I kidding I wouldn’t have enjoyed it that much.
I just find it weird cause hasn’t some of her songs been anti scientology?
According to BBC, "Armstrong has never publicly commented on her relationship with the church, but several of Dead Sara’s lyrics suggest criticism and rejection of Scientology’s teachings.”
To me it sounds like she grew up in the church, yes, but does not fall into the culture. She seems to have her own beliefs and values. Speaking as someone who was born in a church(not scientology) and has escaped, I gotta respect that.
Still, no idea what her relationship with the church is and I reserve the right to realize I was wrong.