New Linkin Park member Emily Armstrong has expressed her support for Danny Masterson during his sexual assault trial, in which he was convicted of rape.
Armstrong was chosen as the rock group’s new lead singer, after lead singer Chester Bennington died seven years ago. On Friday, September 6, videos of Armstrong singing the band’s most famous songs went viral online.
Subsequently, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, the husband of Masterson’s accuser Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, claimed on social media that Armstrong had supported the Ranch and That ’70s Show star, who was accused of drugging and raping three women at his residence from 2001 to 2003.
Before the sentencing, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis wrote letters in support of Masterson. In 2003, a jury found him guilty of raping two women. However, they were unable to reach a conviction on the third charge, which dates back to November 2001 and was brought by his ex-girlfriend. Last September, he received a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
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Armstrong issues statement after facing criticism
Without mentioning Masterson, Armstrong released a statement after facing heavy criticism, saying she was once “asked to support someone she considered a friend during a court appearance.”
In her post she said, “Hi, I’m Emily. I’m new to many of you, and I want to clear everything up about an incident that happened a while ago. I went to an initial hearing as an observer. Shortly after, I realized I shouldn’t have been there.
“I always try to see the good in people and I misunderstood him. I have never spoken to him since. Unbelievable details came out and he was later found guilty.”
She clearly stated that she does not support abuse or violence against women and that she sympathizes with the victims of these acts.
Cedric Bixler-Zavala criticized Armstrong for his alleged support of Masterson, writing: “Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend.”
Kutcher and Kunis, who appeared with Masterson on That ’70s Show, spoke about his “extraordinary character” during his trial. They also appealed to Judge Charlene Olmedo for leniency.
Describing Masterson as a “role model,” Kutcher said he’s “a guy who’s always there for you when you need him.”
Both apologized after facing criticism for supporting Masterson.
