New Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong responds to Danny Masterson backlash

Newly announced Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong (also of Dead Sara) has responded after Cedric Bixler-Zavala of The Mars Volta and At the Drive In and his wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, blasted her over her connections to Scientology and Danny Masterson, who was found guilty of raping two women. In an Instagram story, Armstrong wrote, “Hi, I’m Emily. I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back.”

She continued:

Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance, and went to one early hearing an as observer. 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.

Bixler-Zavala had resurfaced a year-old comment he’d made on Dead Sara’s Instagram after Armstrong was revealed at Linkin Park’s new vocalist. It read, “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. Remember when we did the purification run down Emily? Were you directed to safe point 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 unsupverised 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 book dianetics? Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend.”