The Mars Volta‘s Cedric Bixler-Zavala has shared a meme following the Linkin Park Emily Armstrong controversy, pointedly telling his followers: “I fucking told you.”
Yesterday (September 6), the band announced their comeback through a livestream event, revealing the addition of Armstrong, formerly of Dead Sara, as their new vocalist, alongside new drummer Colin Brittain.
The initially warm reception to the addition of Armstrong quickly faded after a message sent by Bixler-Zavala about her alleged links to Scientology and ties to convicted rapist Danny Masterson began to recirculate on social media.
In a screenshot of an Instagram story post that tagged Dead Sara, Bixler-Zavala – who left the Church of Scientology in late 2017 – wrote last year: “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.”
Emily Armstrong and Cedric Bixler-Zavala in 2013. Credit: Ava Clithero/Getty
Masterson, best known for starring in US sitcom That ‘70s Show, was convicted on two of three rape charges in May 2023, and later sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. During the trial, it had been argued that he used his “untouchable” position in the Church of Scientology to avoid accountability for raping women.
“Remember Emily?” the 2023 post continued. “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.”
Following substantial backlash, Armstrong has since issued a statement on her former support of Masterson. “Hi, I’m Emily,” she wrote in an Instagram story post this morning (September 7). “I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back.
“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. 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.”
Now, Bixler-Zavala has shared his own Instagram post, which features an edited masked man singing to the tune of The Smiths‘ ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’. In the post, he says: “Bigmouth strikes again, and I could give a shit what the fuck you all didn’t believe in the first place because I fucking told you.”
Bixler-Zavala’s wife, Chrissie Carnell Bixler, had also accused Masterson of raping her while they were in a relationship, having testified in 2022 and previously issued a separate civil lawsuit against him. She has also taken to Instagram today (September 7) to share screenshots highlighting Armstrong’s ties to Masterson.
In 2020, the former At The Drive-In frontman claimed that the Church of Scientology fatally poisoned his two dogs, which he said was a consequence of “speaking about the predators they protect”, also alleging they began a campaign of harassment, threats and stalking. The Church did not address the allegations.
NME has reached out to representatives of Linkin Park and The Mars Volta for comment.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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