News Linkin Park returns with a new singer, and there's controversy already. (1 Viewer)

[The_LastRomeo]

Linkin Park is making a return with new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong after several years on hiatus, announcing a world tour and an upcoming album Thursday in a live-streamed performance that amped up their long-standing fan base around the world.

The rock-rap band revealed six initial gigs, kicking off in Los Angeles next week and finishing in Bogotá, Colombia in November, in their first tour since frontman Chester Bennington’s death. The album, poetically titled “From Zero” and set for release Nov. 15, will be the group’s first record since “One More Light” in 2017.

Linkin Park debuted Armstrong — who co-founded the rock group Dead Sara — as co-vocalist during their performance Thursday, which featured new track “The Emptiness Machine” as well as old favorites such as “Numb” and “In the End.” They also brought on a new drummer, Colin Brittain, also a producer and songwriter who has worked with artists including All Time Low and A Day to Remember.
source
But unfortunately there's some issues regarding her

Concern Sparked Over New Linkin Park Singer Over Alleged Scientology Links​

Amid all the excitement from Linkin Park’s new lineup and album announcement, there has now been concerned expressed from Linkin Park fanbase regarding the band’s new lead singer Emily Armstrong, who allegedly has a history with the church of Scientology and more specifically Danny Masterson.

These alleged claims were brought to light from fans that came across a past comment left by The Mars Volta and former At The Drive-In vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala. According to NME, the comments come from a screenshot that Zavala posted on his Instagram story back in 2023. Zavala tagged Emily Armstrong’s band Dead Sara and wrote the following.

“I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Masterson’s behalf since your corny ass 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.”
“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?”

The alleged claims made by Zavala indicate that Emily Armstrong was at Danny Masterson's recent trial in May 2023, which resulted in Masterson being convicted on two of three rape charges and being sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.

Zavala’s wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, was among several women who accused Masterson of sexual assault, however, Masterson was not convicted on the charges tied to her allegations. Both Zavala and his wife Chrissie Carnell-Bixler are former members of the church of Scientology, and Zavala has been outspoken against the church ever since he left. Pictured above and indicated on an article by the Scientology Newsroom, Emily Armstrong and Cedric Bixler-Zavala are seen together at the 44th Gala hosted by the Church of Scientology in 2013.

Forbes has reached out to representatives of Linkin Park and The Mars Volta in a request for comment.

source

What do you guys think?​

 

[centen]

I can't support rape apologists. To me, the issue is as simple as that, and if anything had been misunderstood, they've had opportunity to clarify it, and haven't yet. Probably because it's either running through PR reps, or they're hoping it blows over and the general public who doesn't know who she is carries their comeback. Masterson's trial was two years ago, so this isn't like fans are digging up shit from when she was a teenager and "didn't know better."

It's also wild to me that Chester died because of his mental illness, and they've chosen to replace him with someone who doesn't believe in mental healthcare. It feels really disrespectful. And her covers of their songs aren't that great, so extra wtf.

 

[LeeHoseok]

Not an LP fan aside from casual listening but I was already uninterested when it was revealed the new singer was female (not my cup of tea) but this...Just yikes. Scientology is a cult, Masterson is scum, and the fact that she was possibly physically there in the courtroom? Unforgivable. For any female/AFAB fan, idk how they could possibly support someone who would defend a rapist. How would you ever feel safe at a concert like that? If she were a male musician she'd have already been sent packing, imo. Mike & the rest of the band really screwed up not doing proper background on her **before** they got to working together.

 

[The_LastRomeo]

I can't support rape apologists. To me, the issue is as simple as that, and if anything had been misunderstood, they've had opportunity to clarify it, and haven't yet. Probably because it's either running through PR reps, or they're hoping it blows over and the general public who doesn't know who she is carries their comeback. Masterson's trial was two years ago, so this isn't like fans are digging up shit from when she was a teenager and "didn't know better."

It's also wild to me that Chester died because of his mental illness, and they've chosen to replace him with someone who doesn't believe in mental healthcare. It feels really disrespectful. And her covers of their songs aren't that great, so extra wtf.

I don't know who she is and honestly I was NOT happy about a female singer, she did great but yeah this issue is NOT it

 

[The_LastRomeo]

Not an LP fan aside from casual listening but I was already uninterested when it was revealed the new singer was female (not my cup of tea) but this...Just yikes. Scientology is a cult, Masterson is scum, and the fact that she was possibly physically there in the courtroom? Unforgivable. For any female/AFAB fan, idk how they could possibly support someone who would defend a rapist. How would you ever feel safe at a concert like that? If she were a male musician she'd have already been sent packing, imo. Mike & the rest of the band really screwed up not doing proper background on her **before** they got to working together.

THAT'S WHAT I SAID, how do you not do a background check??? I wouldn't kill you to check someones history with scandals

 

[magali]

this is sooo disappointing