Linkin Park recently took a significant step by announcing the return of their band with a new lead singer, Emily Armstrong, from Dead Sara. This comes after seven years of inactivity following the tragic death of Chester Bennington, who was the heart and soul of the group. 

The news of Armstrong’s appointment as the new frontwoman stirred both excitement and controversy. Many fans were eager for the band’s new chapter, but others had serious concerns, especially regarding Armstrong’s ties to Scientology.

Cedric Bixler-Zavala, co-founder of The Mars Volta, publicly expressed his displeasure with the decision. His criticism was directed at Armstrong’s connection to Scientology, and in particular, her ties to Danny Masterson, a convicted rapist.

Masterson, a prominent Scientologist, had his conviction recently upheld, and this hit close to home for Bixler-Zavala. His wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, was one of Masterson’s victims, adding an emotional layer to his anger.

Armstrong’s Ties to Danny Masterson

Emily Armstrong’s connection to Scientology was not news to those familiar with her background, but it gained more attention when Cedric Bixler-Zavala decided to speak out. Armstrong allegedly showed support for Masterson during the legal proceedings, which outraged Bixler-Zavala. 

Following Masterson’s guilty verdict, Bixler-Zavala praised his wife and other survivors for their bravery. He urged people to send them love and support, recognizing the strength it took to face such an ordeal.

However, after hearing about Armstrong’s appointment to Linkin Park, Cedric Bixler-Zavala took to social media, specifically on Dead Sara’s Instagram, to call out the band and Armstrong. His comment was a pointed accusation, stating that Armstrong had shown up to support Masterson during the preliminary hearings. 

He also recalled a specific incident where a fellow Jane Doe, one of Masterson’s victims, was allegedly harassed by a group of Scientologists, with Armstrong present. This accusation added a significant level of discomfort to an already sensitive situation.

Bixler-Zavala’s Outrage

In his now-deleted comment, Cedric Bixler-Zavala did not hold back. He expressed his frustration, referencing Scientology’s controversial purification program and accusing Armstrong of disrupting it. He questioned how Armstrong could reconcile her faith with the homophobia present in the teachings of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. 

The comment, while later removed, spread quickly through screenshots, adding fuel to the public discourse. This incident raises important questions about the intersection of art, personal beliefs, and public accountability. Many fans are now wondering how Linkin Park will address these allegations, or if they will at all. Emily Armstrong has not publicly responded to the accusations, and neither has Linkin Park.

The Band’s Silence

As of now, Linkin Park and Emily Armstrong have remained silent on the matter. The decision to hire Armstrong was likely intended to revitalize the band’s future, but these allegations are hard to ignore. For fans, especially in the United States, who are familiar with both Armstrong’s musical talent and her controversial ties, this situation presents a challenge. The band’s decision to move forward with Armstrong as their lead vocalist is a significant one, and many will be watching closely to see how they address these growing concerns.

The Impact on Linkin Park’s Future

Linkin Park’s fan base is dedicated, and for many, the band’s music has been a source of comfort, especially following the loss of Chester Bennington. However, the controversy surrounding Emily Armstrong has the potential to affect the band’s reputation. If the allegations continue to spread without a response, it could lead to deeper concerns among fans and potentially impact future tours and album sales.

Despite the controversy, Linkin Park is moving ahead with a new album. The band’s return to the studio is highly anticipated, but it remains to be seen how the fallout from these accusations will affect their comeback. The involvement of Emily Armstrong in the band’s new chapter will undoubtedly be scrutinized, and the silence from both Armstrong and the band may not be sustainable for much longer.

Linkin Park is attempting to move forward, but the controversy surrounding their new lead singer has created a public relations challenge. Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s strong comments have sparked debate and concern. With the band’s future hanging in the balance, how they handle this situation will determine how they are received by fans in the coming months.