Why is Scientology considered bad? Controversy surrounding Emily Armstrong, the new lead singer of Linkin Park explored

Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain joined Linkin Park on September 5. Although many seemed pleased by the latter’s addition, the former’s seemed to stir controversy online due to her connection to Scientology. The band has returned from their lengthy hiatus which began in 2017 following the death of their lead singer Chester Bennington.

As Emily Armstrong joined the band, Linkin Park released their single The Emptiness Machine on September 5, their first collaboration with the songstress. The song will be part of the band’s upcoming From Zero album, which is expected to release on November 15.

In the wake of her addition to the band, many have questioned if Emily Armstrong was a good choice, considering she was seen attending the Church of Scientology’s 44th Anniversary Gala back in 2013. Emily Armstrong was among the many celebrities seen at the event, which included appearances from John Travolta, Jenna Elfman, and Leilani Dowding, among others.

At the core of Scientology, it is believed that every person has a reactive mind that responds to life’s traumas, as per CNN. Members of the religion often delve deeper into their traumas in attempts to neutralize their effects, and return to their analytical mind and spiritual state of being clear.

Many have been skeptical of the church, as it has been accused of being abusive towards its members, justifying it by stating that they are using “corrective action.” The church also does not believe in mental health treatments and looks down on psychiatry. Speaking about the abuse many allegedly experienced, former Scientology member Leah Remini said in a 2016 interview with Teen Vogue:

“The most abusive thing that I’ve experienced is seeing the victims being further victimized by an organization that claims these things did not take place. From physical, to s*xual, to mental abuse.”

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More about Scientology as Emily Armstrong's addition to Linkin Park raises eyebrows

L. Ron Hubbard, the son of a U.S. Navy officer, founded the Church of Scientology in December 1953. The 1911-born opened his first church in Los Angeles in 1954, after serving in World War II. Following Hubbard’s death in 1986, the church was taken over and is currently run by David Miscavige.

Mamamia reported that the church had strict rules surrounding the upbringing of children. This included strict diets, and not being allowed to interact with the outside world. In some instances, the children were also encouraged to “spy” on their parents and inform the church about everything that happened in the household.

Some Scientology members were not permitted to have children and were reportedly pressured to abort the baby. Members were also not allowed to fall sick, as neither sick days nor medicine were given to those in ill health.

The church was getting investigated by the FBI after they faced human trafficking allegations. The Church of Scientology also faced accusations of brainwashing its members, with some of the allegations presented in Stephen Kent's Brainwashing in Scientology's Rehabilitation Project Force (RPF).

Linkin Park's latest addition Emily Armstrong has raised eyebrows due to her alleged connection with the church, made evident by her presence at the Church of Scientology’s 44th Anniversary Gala.

She also antagonized netizens due to her presence at the trial and subsequent conviction of Danny Masterson, who was accused of r*pe, in 2022. He has since been sentenced to three decades behind bars.

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Linkin Park fans now await the release of their upcoming album From Zero in November 2024.