Cedric Bixler-Zavala shares meme around Linkin Park Emily Armstrong controversy: “I fucking told you”

nme.com:

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.Per a screenshot of a post on his Instagram story that tagged Dead Sara, Bixler-Zavala – who left the Church of Scientology in late 2017 – wrote in 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.”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).