Emily Armstrong is addressing her connection to Danny Masterson amid his recent sexual assault trial.
Without naming the actor, the new Linkin Park singer shared a statement Friday to her Instagram Story to “clear the air about something that happened a while back,” following criticism of her perceived support of Masterson at a 2020 preliminary hearing.
“Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance, and went to one early hearing as an observer,” she explained. “Soon after, I realized I shouldn’t have. I always try to see the good in people and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since. Unimaginable details emerged and he was later found guilty.
“To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes,” added Armstrong.
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Armstrong’s statement comes after Masterson accuser Chrissie Carnell-Bixler’s husband Cedric Bixler-Zavala called out her support for the That ’70s Show alum, as well as her alleged ties to the Church of Scientology, in a recently recirculated comment.
“Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend,” wrote Bixler-Zavala, adding: “I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Mastersons behalf since your corny ass singer showed up to support him in the prelims. Remember Emily? Remember how your fellow Scientologist goon squad surrounded one of the Jane Doe’s when she was trying to leave the elevators? The court sheriffs had to escort her away from your awful cult… How do you reconcile the homophobia found in the teachings of [church founder L. Ron Hubbard’s] book Dianetics?”
Although Masterson was not found guilty of Carnell-Bixler’s allegations, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison last September after he was convicted of two of three forcible rape charges.
Seven years after late frontman Chester Bennington died by suicide, Linkin Park announced Thursday they’re reuniting, with Armstrong as the group’s new lead singer.
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