After much teasing and counting (up and down), Linkin Park finally revealed what they'd been keeping tight-lipped about for so long: they have a new ("girl") singer! No, it isn't Deryck Whibley — but they might wanna keep that door open because new vocalist Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara is already proving to be a controversial choice.
UPDATE (9/8 10:20 a.m. ET): Emily Armstrong has released a statement about her apparent ties to Danny Masterson.
The internet has been doing what it does best over the last 24 hours, revealing some of Armstrong's more worrying history. That includes her link to the Church of Scientology, as well as her apparent ties to and support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson, who infamously tried to have the alleged cult's name (and mention of his membership) banned from his trial.
Masterson's top detractor, Cedric Bixler-Zavala of the Mars Volta — whose wife pressed charges against the actor — has now weighed in on Armstrong's hiring, writing in a since-deleted comment on Dead Sara's profile:
I'm surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Masterson's 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. ... Do you fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend.
Armstrong still follows Masterson on Instagram as of press time, for whatever that's worth. There's also the matter of their new single being pretty boring, which seems to be eclipsed by the messiness. The legacy of Chester Bennington deserves better than all this!
Linkin Park have not yet commented on the situation, though they have been active on socials promoting their new album From Zero. They just posted an Apple Music interview, which features Armstrong, on Instagram. See that below if you want.