Linkin Park fans slam singer Emily Armstrong for ties to r*pist: “Chester wouldn’t have wanted this”

Linkin Park's new singer is facing backlash for her alleged links to Scientology and convicted actor Danny Masterson.

Singer-songwriter Emily Armstrong’s recent debut as Linkin Park’s co-vocalist has sparked heated reactions online. 

On September 5, Armstrong, 38, officially joined the band alongside Mike Shinoda during a live-stream concert in Los Angeles. Her first performance came with the release of Linkin Park's new single, The Emptiness Machine, from their upcoming album From Zero, which is slated for release on November 15.

However, Armstrong’s debut hasn’t come without controversy. Shortly after the announcement, fans began discussing her alleged ties to the Church of Scientology and her reported presence at their 44th Anniversary Gala in 2013. 

Additionally, reports suggest Armstrong attended actor Danny Masterson’s 2022 trial, where he was later convicted of two counts of r*pe in 2024.

The internet quickly reacted to the news, with some fans expressing their disappointment. 

One user posted on X, “Sick of seeing people excited about this new Linkin Park singer. Emily Armstrong is a known Scientologist and Danny Masterson supporter. Chester wouldn’t have wanted this, I know that.” 

Another fan stated, “Funny how Linkin Park’s new lead singer Emily Armstrong is a known member of the infamous Scientology cult and showed up to support Danny Masterson at his trial in 2022 where he was accused and was later found guilty of two counts of rpe in 2024.”

funny how linkin park’s new lead singer emily armstrong is a known member of the infamous scientology cult and showed up to support danny masterson at his trial in 2022 where he was accused and was later found guilty of two counts of r*pe in 2024 pic.twitter.com/PjofVLLU73

— ana (@chrrybridgers) September 6, 2024

Further criticism poured in, with one user noting, “She showed up in support of Masterson at his trial - there are also photos of her at a Scientology Gala.”

She showed up in support of Masterson at his trial - there are also photos of her at a Scientology Gala https://t.co/aqC2VxlYmR

— Lauren Niemiec (@lniemiec18) September 6, 2024

Some fans, however, defended Armstrong, arguing that past actions do not necessarily reflect current beliefs. 

One person wrote, “A single gala appearance from a decade ago, and an Instagram comment screenshot that is clearly altered. I don’t support Masterson or Scientology in any way, but even I can tell the ‘receipts’ you have are a stretch. Feel free to block me, I’m not interested in an argument.” 

A single gala appearance from a decade ago, and an instagram comment screenshot that is clearly altered. I don’t support masterson or Scientology in any way, but even I can tell the “receipts” you have are a stretch. Feel free to block me, I’m not interested in an argument.

— Corey Salemme (@CoreySalemme) September 6, 2024

As the controversy continues, fans remain divided on Armstrong’s future with the band.