Linkin Park has resurfaced in the spotlight with the announcement of their new vocalist, Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara, during a livestream event on September 6, 2024. The band also unveiled plans for a new album titled 'From Zero' and a world tour featuring six shows. During this event, they performed a new song, 'The Emptiness Machine', alongside several classics from their catalog.
However, the announcement has been overshadowed by allegations related to Armstrong's connections to Scientology and convicted rapist Danny Masterson. The controversy reignited when Cedric Bixler-Zavala, the frontman of The Mars Volta and former At The Drive-In member, shared a critical Instagram post directed at Armstrong. Bixler-Zavala accused her of having ties to Masterson and spoke out against her past involvement with the Church of Scientology.
The claims became a focal point of discussion on social media, leading to Masterson trending shortly after Linkin Park's announcement. Notably, Bixler-Zavala referenced an incident involving his wife, Chrissie Carnell Bixler, who has accused Masterson of rape. He specifically mentioned how Armstrong’s support of Masterson during his preliminary hearings shocked him, implying that she has been an apologist for Masterson’s alleged actions.
An image from 2013 reemerged showing Armstrong and Bixler-Zavala at a Scientology gala, adding fuel to the fire of speculation regarding Armstrong's affiliation with the organization. This new twist comes as Bixler-Zavala has been vocal about his disdain for the Church of Scientology following a series of personal tragedies he attributes to their alleged harassment campaigns against him and his family.
The complexity of this situation is compounded by Armstrong's continuing connection to Scientology amidst the serious nature of the allegations against Masterson, who was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in September 2023 for two counts of rape. Bixler-Zavala previously condemned individuals he deems as enabling Masterson during his trial, which further complicates the landscape around the new Linkin Park frontwoman.
As Linkin Park gears up for a comeback, their future remains uncertain as they navigate these serious allegations surrounding their new singer. NME has reached out to representatives of Linkin Park and The Mars Volta for comment on this developing situation.