Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong responds to backlash over Danny Masterson defense

Emily Armstrong's entrance as Linkin Park's newest vocalist started off strong, with overall positive reactions from fans on her debut, along with the newly reformed group dropping a new single featuring their new singer, announcing a new album, and even a world tour. 

Things quickly soured with fans though after At The Drive In/The Mars Volta vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife Chrissie Carnell-Bixler raised concerns over Armstrong's support of fellow Scientologist Danny Masterson during the trial in which he was convicted of raping two women and sentenced to 30 years to life last year. 

In an attempt to clear the air over the backlash from these acusations, Armstrong released a statement on her Instagram that read:

Hi, I'm Emily. 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.