New Linkin Park singer Emily Armstrong sparks backlash over alleged Scientology and Danny Masterson links

Linkin Park fans have slammed Emily Armstrong after it was announced she'd joined the band.

Armstrong, 38, and Colin Brittain, 37, were announced as two new additions to the band as they prepared to release their first body of work in seven years. The band embarked on a hiatus in 2017 following the death of their lead singer, Chester Bennington, who tragically took his own life aged just 41.

Although many Linkin Park fans shared their excitement about the band coming back and releasing new music and a new tour, some have also expressed their discomfort with the decision to have Emily join the band. Social media users have spoken about Emily's link to the Church of Scientology.

The Los Angeles-born musician - who previously dropped out of high school to chase her dream career - was seen attending the Church of Scientology's 44th Anniversary Gala back in 2013. Emily was one of many celebrities who attended the event on August 24, 2013, in Los Angeles.

Former model Leilani Dowding, Hollywood icon John Travolta and Jenna Elfman all appeared to attend the event. In one snap, Emily was seen posing alongside fellow musician Cedric Bixler-Zavala of the band Mars Volta. However, it is not known whether Emily is still linked to the controversial church which is often defined as a "cult".

But this isn't the only thing that has left fans rattled, Emily was allegedly present during the trial and subsequent conviction of rapist Danny Masterson back in 2022. Masterson was sentenced to three decades behind bars for two rapes which took place in 2001 and 2003.

The former actor had also been a supporter of the Church of Scientology, having studied Scientology since he was a child. He first faced accusations of rape in 2017 by three women who were also followers of Scientology. They claimed that they had been coerced into not contacting authorities about the accusations.

It is not clear whether Emily still has any contact with Masterson. However, fans have been left enraged by the news that she had joined the band. One even claimed that the late Chester would not be happy with the news. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one said: "Sick of seeing people excited about this new Linkin Park singer. Emily Armstrong is a known Scientologist and Danny Masterson supporter. Chester wouldn't have wanted this, I know that."

"Funny how Linkin Park's new lead singer Emily Armstrong is a known member of the infamous Scientology cult and showed up to support Danny Masterson at his trial in 2022 where he was accused and was later found guilty of two counts of r*pe in 2024," said a second.

Meanwhile, a third said: "She showed up in support of Masterson at his trial - there are also photos of her at a Scientology Gala."

The Mirror has approached Emily and Linkin Park's spokesperson for comment.