AceShowbiz - Linkin Park made headlines this week as they returned to the stage, marking a new chapter with vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain. Their much-anticipated reunion, however, has hit a controversial snag, with Armstrong facing backlash over her past involvement in supporting convicted actor Danny Masterson during his rape trials.

Just hours after Armstrong's debut with Linkin Park at the Los Angeles' Kia Forum, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, frontman of The Mars Volta, brought up claims that Armstrong attended one of Masterson's preliminary hearings in 2020 to show her support. Bixler-Zavala's wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, was among the women who accused Masterson of sexual assault.

"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…," Bixler-Zavala wrote on social media, referencing Armstrong's ties to the Church of Scientology.

Reacting swiftly to the allegations, Armstrong clarified her position in an Instagram Stories post, stating that her support for Masterson was limited to one hearing and that it ceased once evidences emerged and she became aware of his guilt.

"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. Soon after, I realized I shouldn't have… Unimaginable details emerged and he was later found guilty," Armstrong wrote.

Chrissie Carnell-Bixler did not hold back in her criticism of Armstrong, calling her a "hardcore Scientologist who supported convicted serial rapist both in and out of court" and denouncing the Church of Scientology as a "cult/criminal organization" with multiple allegations of abuse against minors and elders and their coverups.

While Armstrong chose not to address her alleged association with Scientology directly, she emphasized that she does not condone abuse or violence against women, expressing empathy for the victims.

The controversy casts a shadow over what was supposed to be a triumphant moment for Linkin Park. The band is set to embark on a six-city international tour and release their new album, "From Zero", in November. However, guitarist Brad Delson will not join the road tour, opting instead to work behind the scenes, focusing on studio collaborations and live show production.

As Linkin Park steps into a new era, the unfolding story underscores the complexities and challenges they face amidst both personal and professional upheaval.