The announcement of Emily Armstrong as the new lead vocalist for Linkin Park has stirred controversy, particularly with Cedric Bixler-Zavala of The Mars Volta and At The Drive-In fame. Bixler-Zavala, alongside his wife Chrissie Carnell Bixler, has publicly criticized Armstrong due to her connections to the Church of Scientology and her friendships, notably with convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
In recent posts shared on social media, both Bixler-Zavala and his wife expressed their discontent with Armstrong's joining the iconic nu-metal band. Chrissie Carnell Bixler, who was one of the women that pursued rape charges against Masterson—resulting in his sentencing to 30 years in prison—reiterated her disdain for Armstrong on her Instagram, calling out her support and friendship with Masterson during his legal proceedings.
Both Cedric and Chrissie Bixler have claimed that their opposition stems from deeper issues related to the Church of Scientology's alleged practices, including intimidation and harassment against those who speak out against the organization. Cedric Bixler-Zavala has long claimed that followers of Scientology targeted him and his wife after they became vocal about their experiences surrounding Masterson.
Linkin Park's new direction with Armstrong has not only invited scrutiny from the Bixlers but raises broader questions about the ethics of fandom and support in today's music industry. The tension between rock, fan support, and past affiliations continues to be a polarizing topic in modern discussions regarding artists and their social connections.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Armstrong will address the backlash and whether it will affect her integration into Linkin Park, a band with a legacy intertwined with complex themes of personal recovery and social justice issues. For further context on this issue, additional details can be found via Brooklyn Vegan and The PRP.