Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Jaime Bennington, son of the late Chester Bennington, has openly criticized Linkin Park’s recent decision to introduce a new co-vocalist to the band.
On September 5, Linkin Park revealed that Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara would be joining the group as their new vocalist, alongside Colin Brittain as their new drummer.
This unexpected news also coincided with the release of a new single titled ‘The Emptiness Machine,’ marking the band’s first new music in seven years. The track serves as the lead single for their upcoming album From Zero, scheduled for release on November 15. This will be Linkin Park’s first full-length project since 2017.
The addition of Armstrong has sparked mixed reactions among fans — some applauding her vocal talents, while others are skeptical about her replacing Bennington. Chester Bennington, Linkin Park’s former lead singer, was found dead by suicide at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California in July 2017.
Jaime Bennington has recently shared his thoughts on this development via his Instagram Stories, criticizing Linkin Park’s decision. In one post, he accused Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda of ‘quietly erasing my father’s life and legacy in real time…during international suicide prevention month.’
Jaime also criticized Armstrong’s past, highlighting her ties to the Church of Scientology and her support for Danny Masterson, an actor from That ’70s Show, who was convicted of raping two women and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison last year.
In another Instagram story, Jaime said that Linkin Park had ‘failed to address the concerns of their diverse fan base’ and that their recent actions ‘are not something people should acclimate to.’
He further expressed that the band had ‘betrayed the trust’ of the fans who ‘trusted you to be the bigger better person. To be the change. Because you promised us that was your intention.’
“Now you’re just senile and tone deaf,” he added.
Emily Armstrong responded to the backlash on September 6, addressing concerns about her supposed friendship with Masterson.
She took to Instagram to clarify: “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.”
“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,” she added.
Linkin Park is set to begin their world tour on September 11 in Los Angeles, with subsequent stops in NYC, Germany, the UK, South Korea, and Colombia.