New Linkin Park singer faces allegations of ties to Scientology, Danny Masterson

Linkin Park has announced the addition of a new singer and drummer to the band as they gear up to release their first new album in over seven years following the death of frontman Chester Bennington.

Emily Armstrong, who will take on vocal duties, and Colin Brittain, the new drummer, joined returning members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn during a livestreamed concert on Thursday to introduce the new lineup. The band performed a mix of hits from their catalog and unveiled their new single, “The Emptiness Machine,” from their upcoming album From Zero.

To support the album, which is set to release on November 15, the band has announced a globe-trotting arena tour. They will perform six shows in Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota before the album’s official release.

During Thursday’s performance, Armstrong received praise from both critics and fans for her vocal abilities, with AP music reporter Maria Sherman noting that she was able to "recall Bennington without attempting parody."

Armstrong’s Instagram has been inundated with positive comments from Linkin Park fans welcoming her to the band. The former lead singer of Dead Sara will share vocal duties with Shinoda.

However, some fan enthusiasm has been tempered by resurfaced allegations that Armstrong supported Danny Masterson, an actor and convicted rapist, during his trial. Musician Cedric Bixler-Zavala, who has accused Masterson of sexual assault, claims that Armstrong intimidated Masterson’s victims during a preliminary hearing. Bixler-Zavala also asserts that Armstrong is a prominent Scientologist, like Masterson.

In a comment on Dead Sara’s Instagram page last year, Bixler-Zavala questioned Armstrong’s association with Masterson, writing, “Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend.” He also alleged that Armstrong’s entourage had harassed one of Masterson’s accusers.

Following the announcement of Armstrong’s new role with Linkin Park, Bixler-Zavala shared a screenshot of his comment on his Instagram story, though it has since been deleted. A photo from 2013 shows Bixler-Zavala and Armstrong together at a Scientology event.

While there are no photos of Armstrong at Masterson’s trials, journalist Tony Ortega reported in 2020 that Armstrong was seen at an arraignment with Masterson as part of a group of “longtime friends.”

Bixler-Zavala’s wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, who is also a former Scientologist and one of Masterson’s accusers, has spoken out about the case. Masterson was convicted of raping two Jane Does, but was not convicted on charges related to Carnell-Bixler’s allegations, according to Rolling Stone.