Emily Armstrong, Linkin Park's lead new vocalist has responded to claims that she supported Danny Masterson during his r*pe trial.
Linkin Park is returning to the spotlight with a revamped lineup and a highly anticipated world tour, all with their new lead vocalist.
The California-based rock band, which rose to prominence in the 2000s with 11 number-one singles on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, has announced two new members.
Emily Armstrong, lead vocalist of the alt-rock band Dead Sara, and drummer Colin Brittain, who replaces longtime member Rob Bourdon.
Linkin Park's return has been long awaited by fans since Bennington’s untimely death in 2017.
The iconic frontman took his own life at the age of 41, a loss that shook the music world.
While most of the buzz around Armstrong has been positive, there have been some claims that she supported Danny Masterson while he was on trial for r*pe.
Armstrong addressed the claims in a statement shared via her Instagram story, cited by Forbes.
"Hi, I’m Emily,” Armstrong began. “I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back.”
She went on to explain her connection to Masterson, who was recently sentenced to 30 years to life for r*pe.
“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 said.
"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,” she added, distancing herself from Masterson.
“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 emphasized.
Masterson, widely recognized for his role as Steven Hyde on the popular US sitcom That '70s Show, was handed a prison sentence of 30 years to life after being found guilty of two counts of r*pe.
Masterson's legal troubles began in 2020 when he was arrested and subsequently pleaded not guilty to three counts of felony r*pe.
These accusations stemmed from three different women, including a former girlfriend, with the alleged incidents occurring between 2001 and 2003, as reported by AP.
The initial trial in November 2022 ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury. Notably, all three alleged victims were affiliated with the Church of Scientology, as is Masterson.
Armstrong has also been linked to the Church of Scientology but has yet to comment on this.
