Linkin Park Faces Backlash From Chester Bennington's Son Over New Singer

Is this a legacy at risk?

Sophia

• Published in Music
• September 12, 2024

Jaime Bennington, the son of the late Chester Bennington, has made waves with his public condemnation of Linkin Park's decision to hire Emily Armstrong as the band’s new lead vocalist. His outspoken criticism has ignited controversy, mainly due to Armstrong’s past ties to the Church of Scientology and her association with convicted rapist Danny Masterson.

Jaime's comments have not only brought attention to Armstrong’s controversial background but also raised questions about the band's direction and his father's legacy.

On September 9, Jaime took to Instagram to express his discontent with Linkin Park’s decision to bring Armstrong into the fold. He specifically called out Mike Shinoda, the band's co-founder, accusing him of “erasing” Chester’s legacy and betraying the band’s loyal fanbase.

Jaime argued that while the band’s progression is understandable, how they have chosen to move forward, particularly by hiring Armstrong, is deeply troubling. He highlighted Armstrong’s affiliation with the Church of Scientology.

This organization has faced widespread criticism for its secretive practices and allegations of abuse, as well as her previous support for Masterson, who was sentenced to 30 years to life for rape.

Jaime’s criticism is pivotal for Linkin Park, which recently announced its new album, "From Zero," and an upcoming tour—its first since Chester’s tragic death in 2017.

The new lineup, featuring Armstrong as the lead singer and Colin Brittain as the drummer, was unveiled during a live stream on September 5.

While the band’s return has been met with excitement from some fans, others share Jaime’s unease about Armstrong’s inclusion, given her controversial history.

Armstrong's past involvement with the Church of Scientology has drawn ire not just from fans but also from former members of the Church and other musicians.

Cedric Bixler-Zavala of Mars Volta, whose wife is one of Masterson’s victims, has been particularly vocal.

In resurfaced comments, Cedric accused Armstrong of supporting a known abuser and questioned her association with the Church, which has been criticized for its alleged abuses and manipulative practices.

These criticisms add another layer to the discomfort surrounding Armstrong’s new role in Linkin Park.

Jaime Bennington’s pointed accusations against Mike Shinoda and the rest of Linkin Park's decision-making team go beyond mere disappointment—they strike at the heart of what Chester Bennington's legacy means to millions of fans worldwide.

By hiring Emily Armstrong as the new lead vocalist, Jaime believes the band has not only disrespected his father’s memory but also betrayed the trust of the band’s long-time supporters, particularly during a time as significant as Suicide Prevention Month.

Chester Bennington, who tragically took his own life in 2017, was more than just the frontman of Linkin Park; he was a voice for those struggling with mental health issues.

His music, marked by raw emotion and vulnerability, resonated deeply with fans who saw in him a reflection of their own battles.

Chester’s openness about his struggles with depression and addiction made him a powerful advocate for mental health awareness, and his legacy continues to inspire hope and resilience in those facing similar challenges.

Jaime’s concern is that by bringing Emily Armstrong into the band without addressing the controversies surrounding her—particularly her ties to the Church of Scientology and her previous support for Danny Masterson—Linkin Park risks alienating a large segment of their fanbase.

For many, the band’s music has been a source of solace and strength, especially for survivors of abuse and those who, like Chester, have faced mental health struggles. By not acknowledging these concerns, Jaime fears that the band is sending a message that undermines the very values Chester stood for.

The timing of this decision, during Suicide Prevention Month, only adds to the sting. This is a period when Chester’s legacy as a mental health advocate is particularly celebrated, and any move that appears to disregard the sensitivity of this time is likely to be met with heightened scrutiny and emotional responses from fans.

Jaime’s accusation that the band is “erasing” his father’s legacy is a powerful one, as it suggests that the band’s actions are not just insensitive, but also potentially damaging to the message of hope and support that Chester worked so hard to promote.

Here's what some people had to say...

"I understand the pain"

"They should have chose someone less controversial"

"Lost but not forgotten"

"Everyone has to move on"

"He would be proud!"

"He doesn't make the decisions"

"I get why his son would be upset"

"Each party is valid in their own right"

"Fans need to chill"

"Some of us are as mad as you"

Emily Armstrong’s response to the backlash has been limited, with her stating that she "misjudged" Danny Masterson and has since distanced herself from him. However, her silence on her association with the Church of Scientology has left many questions unanswered.

The Church, known for its secretive practices and aggressive defense against critics, has a controversial reputation that complicates her position as the new face of a band so closely associated with emotional honesty and openness.

This lack of transparency has only fueled further criticism, not just from Jaime but from fans and critics alike. The decision to bring Armstrong into the band without fully addressing these concerns risks creating a divide within the fanbase—a divide that could be difficult to bridge as the band moves forward.

As Linkin Park embarks on this new chapter, the tension between honoring Chester Bennington’s legacy and forging a new path with a different lineup is palpable. Jaime Bennington’s criticisms underscore the complex emotions involved in this transition and highlight the challenges the band faces in moving forward without alienating those who have been most deeply impacted by Chester’s life and music.

The road ahead for Linkin Park is fraught with difficult decisions, and how they navigate these will likely shape the future of the band and its relationship with its fans.

Sophia