Chester Bennington's son slams Linkin Park for hiring Emily Armstrong

Jaime Bennington, son of the late Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington, has voiced his disapproval over the band's decision to bring Emily Armstrong as their new vocalist, reports Variety. 

Armstrong, co-founder of the rock band Dead Sara, debuted with Linkin Park on 5 September, alongside new drummer Colin Brittain, during a live performance. 

This performance marked the band's first major appearance since Chester Bennington's death by suicide in 2017 and came with the announcement of a new album and supporting tour titled "From Zero."

Jaime took to Instagram on Monday, sharing his discontent in a story post where he accused Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda of having "quietly erased my father's life and legacy in real time… during international suicide prevention month." His comments come as the band prepares to release their first new music since Chester's passing.

In the lengthy Instagram post, Jaime also expressed concerns regarding Armstrong's past, particularly her ties to the Church of Scientology and her support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson. Masterson, an actor known for his role in That '70s Show, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in 2023 for raping two women.

Mars Volta singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, one of the women who accused Masterson of sexual assault, have also spoken out against Armstrong. Bixler-Zavala had previously posted on Dead Sara's Instagram account, stating, "Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend." The couple, both former Scientologists, have alleged that the church harassed them following their allegations against Masterson.

Jaime Bennington criticized the band's handling of the situation, writing that Linkin Park has "failed to address the concerns of their diverse fan base." 

He further expressed disappointment with the band's recent decisions, accusing them of "betraying the trust" of their fans. "Now you're just senile and tone-deaf," Jaime concluded.

The backlash from both Jaime and fans prompted a response from Shinoda during a discord conversation. 

He acknowledged the public's shock and outrage but urged for respectful discussion around the issue.

In response to the growing controversy, Armstrong issued a statement on 6 September, aiming to clarify her stance on Masterson. 

"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," she wrote. Armstrong added that she has not been in contact with Masterson since and firmly stated, "I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes."

Linkin Park, now consisting of Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, Joe Hahn, Emily Armstrong, and Colin Brittain, is set to embark on a six-date arena tour, with performances scheduled in major cities including Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota. The band's new album, From Zero, is slated for release on 15 November.