Linkin Park's latest performer: An explanation of the dispute

Last week, the rock band Linkin Park made headlines with their return, marking their first public activity since frontman Chester Bennington's tragic death by suicide seven years ago. Known for their fusion of aggressive metal riffs and hip-hop beats, Linkin Park dominated the 2000s with hits such as "Numb" and "In the End."

For their comeback, the band introduced two new members: drummer Colin Brittain and singer Emily Armstrong, who now shares lead vocals with existing bandmate Mike Shinoda.

However, their return was met with criticism related to Armstrong's alleged connections to the Church of Scientology and her past support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson.

Armstrong responded by releasing a statement clarifying her position, emphasizing that she does not condone "abuse or violence against women."

Emily Armstrong, born in 1986 in Los Angeles, is widely recognized as the lead singer of the hard rock band Dead Sara. Her musical journey began at age 12 with a guitar gift from her parents.

Armstrong dropped out of school to pursue music, eventually forming Dead Sara with her childhood friend Siouxsie Medley in 2002.

Their breakout single "Weatherman," released in 2011, garnered attention, with notable fans such as Courtney Love and Dave Grohl, who praised the band.

Despite initial success and signing with Epic Records, Dead Sara faced challenges and eventually crowd-funded their next album.

They continued to persevere, releasing "Ain't It Tragic" in 2021 and touring with Demi Lovato the following year.

Following Chester Bennington's death, Linkin Park went on hiatus, only performing publicly at a tribute concert in 2017.

The band was uncertain about their future, with bassist Dave "Phoenix" Farrell describing the challenge of moving forward. Mike Shinoda pondered how to handle Bennington's old parts, questioning whether the band would need a new or multiple vocalists.

After trying out several candidates, Armstrong was invited for a three-day try-out in 2019 and began recording with the band last year.

Shinoda noted that hearing Armstrong's voice on the new material felt like a genuine Linkin Park song, while DJ Joe Hahn was impressed by Armstrong's vocal performance.

On September 5, Linkin Park unveiled their new lineup with a single titled "The Emptiness Machine" and announced a world tour.

The initial response was largely positive. New York Times pop critic Jon Pareles acknowledged Armstrong's challenge in filling Bennington's role but praised her performance.

Linkin Park's Reddit fans also reacted favorably, noting Armstrong's energy and authenticity. However, some critics argued that the addition was disrespectful to Bennington's legacy.

In defense, Shinedown's Brent Smith urged fans to give the band a chance to continue their legacy and create new music.

Accusations against Armstrong surfaced when Mars Volta singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, criticized her over her past support of Danny Masterson, who was convicted of rape and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.

Bixler-Zavala and Carnell-Bixler, both former Scientologists, alleged that the Church harassed them over their accusations against Masterson.

Armstrong responded by addressing the issue in an Instagram story, explaining that she had once supported Masterson as a friend but regretted her decision after learning about his crimes.

She emphasized her stance against abuse and violence toward women and expressed empathy for the victims.

Emily Armstrong did not address her ties to Scientology in her recent statement, and it remains unclear whether she is still a member of the church. Armstrong was born into Scientology, with both of her parents being prominent members.

Her mother, Gail Armstrong, was a former Scientology spokesperson and a senior consulting editor for the church's magazine, Freedom.

In 2013, Armstrong was photographed at a Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre gala celebrating the church's 44th anniversary, alongside Cedric Bixler-Zavala, with the photo supplied to Getty Images by the church.

Armstrong has never publicly commented on her relationship with Scientology, but some of Dead Sara's lyrics suggest criticism and rejection of Scientology's teachings.

Armstrong, who identifies as queer, has expressed views that contrast with the church’s traditional stance.

Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard described queerness as a perversion, though the modern church claims not to dictate sexual preferences and denies accusations of homophobia.

Armstrong's 2018 song "Heaven's Got A Back Door" features lyrics that critique religious attitudes towards sexuality: "I heard the voices of the preacher / Telling me all the reasons why I'd die alone... I'm through feeling sorry / For the things that I can't choose."

Fans have speculated that such lyrics indicate Armstrong may have left Scientology.

However, leaving the church can be a challenging process, often involving severing ties with family members. As of now, Armstrong has not commented on her current relationship with Scientology.