On September 5, 2024, Linkin Park announced that Emily Armstrong, formerly of the band Dead Sara, would be stepping in as the new lead vocalist following the passing of Chester Bennington. However, this decision has sparked controversy, especially from Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife Chrissie, both renowned musicians known for their work with The Mars Volta and At The Drive-In.
The Bixler-Zavalas voiced their strong disapproval of Armstrong's ties to Scientology, primarily her past support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson. Chrissie has been vocal as a survivor, detailing her experiences stating that she was part of a harassment campaign led by the Church of Scientology after she came forward with accusations against Masterson. In the wake of Armstrong’s appointment, they took to social media to express their outrage.
Chrissie’s response called out Armstrong, accusing her of complicity with the Church of Scientology, referring to it as a “human and child trafficking cult,” and urging her to publicly denounce the criminal behaviors associated with it. Cedric followed suit, outlining specific incidents of intimidation that he claims Armstrong and her associates perpetuated during Masterson's trial.
Emily Armstrong responded to the backlash by issuing a statement, revealing her regret over past associations with Masterson, emphasizing her stance against abuse and violence toward women. Despite this, the Bixler-Zavalas remain steadfast in their criticism, with Chrissie condemning Armstrong for her silence on the Church’s alleged actions and for enabling a culture of intimidation.
This ongoing exchange highlights the complexities surrounding personal and professional relationships in the music industry, especially when intertwined with significant social issues. For more details on the developments, check out ThePRP's coverage here.