Linkin Park’s New Vocalist Apologizes For Danny Masterson Support

Linkin Park’s new lead singer, Emily Armstrong, is addressing her former support of convicted rapist and actor Danny Masterson amid his sexual assault trial.

Over the weekend, the latest addition to the rock band shared a statement on her Instagram story after facing criticism for appearing to support the “That ’70s Show” alum at a 2020 preliminary hearing. Armstrong did not name Masterson in her comment.

“Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance, and went to one early hearing as an observer,” she explained, according to Buzzfeed. “Soon after, I realized I shouldn’t have. I always try to see the good in people and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since. Unimaginable details emerged and he was later found guilty.”

“To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes,” Armstrong added in her Friday post.

Masterson, a prominent scientologist, was accused of raping three women at his home in Hollywood Hills between 2001 and 2003 amid his role on “That 70’s Show.”

“The Ranch” alum was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in September 2023 after he was convicted on two of three forcible rape charges.

Armstrong’s statement comes after Masterson accuser Chrissie Carnell-Bixler’s husband, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, slammed the singer for supporting the actor. Masterson was not convicted on the basis of Carnell-Bixler’s allegations.

Bixler-Zavala also called out the crooner’s alleged link to the Church of Scientology after Linkin Park announced Thursday they are reuniting with two new bandmates and an upcoming album.

“Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend,” Bixler-Zavala commented on Instagram, according to Buzzfeed. “I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Mastersons 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… How do you reconcile the homophobia found in the teachings of [church founder L. Ron Hubbard’s] book Dianetics?” he added.

HuffPost has reached out to Linkin Park’s reps for comment.

Linkin Park’s reunion comes seven years after the band’s late frontman Chester Bennington died by suicide.

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health support.

Additionally, you can visit RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website.