Emily Armstrong Responds to Scientology and Danny Masterson Allegations

The new Linkin Park vocalist addresses accusations about her ties to Scientology and convicted actor Danny Masterson.

By Griffin Kozlowski

Sep 7, 2024

Emily Armstrong, the new Linkin Park vocalist, responds to accusations about her past support for Danny Masterson, clarifying she no longer associates with him.
Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, accuse Armstrong of being a Scientologist and supporting a convicted r@p1st in and out of court.
The Church of Scientology denies all allegations, while the controversy threatens to overshadow Linkin Park’s recent announcements.

The Gist

Oh yeah babe, the music industry—a place where skeletons in closets don’t just rattle, they throw full-blown mosh pits. Barely two days after Linkin Park revealed their shiny new frontwoman, Emily Armstrong (yes, from Dead Sara) found herself in the middle of a PR dumpster fire. This time, it’s thanks to Cedric Bixler-Zavala of The Mars Volta, who decided to remind everyone that Armstrong once showed support for convicted That 70’s Show creep, Danny Masterson. Cue the chaos.

Armstrong didn’t stay silent. In a straightforward post on her social media, she addressed the accusations head-on:

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The Linkin Park frontwoman addresses claims about her controversial past and Scientology connections.

“I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back.

“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. 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.”

Well, that seems pretty clear. But Cedric wasn’t about to let this one slide. A former Scientologist himself, and married to Chrissie Carnell-Bixler (one of Masterson’s accusers), he dragged out some old receipts to fan the flames. Here’s the highlight reel of Cedric going for the jugular:

“Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your r@p1st friend. 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 Does 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 [L. Ron Hubbard’s] book Dianetics?”

Not spicy enough? Chrissie Carnell-Bixler chimed in with her own accusations, calling Armstrong a “hardcore Scientologist” who not only supported Masterson but is allegedly neck-deep in Scientology’s criminal underbelly.

“Emily Armstrong is a true believer of the Scientology cult/criminal organization that engages in human and child trafficking, child and elder abuse, and the coverups of countless [sexual assaults] on children and adults.”

The Church of Scientology, predictably, denies everything. They released their standard PR line about how Scientology “demands adherence to all laws” and claimed any accusations are “totally false.” Sure, guys. Because we’re all buying that.

The timing couldn’t be worse. With all eyes on Linkin Park’s upcoming album and lineup shake-up, this drama threatens to overshadow any buzz the band might have hoped for. Will this blow over, or is this another case of the internet holding on to its pitchforks? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, good luck to Armstrong—she’s going to need it.