Jaime Bennington, the son of the late lead vocalist of Linkin Park Chester Bennington, called out the band on his Instagram stories over their decision to bring in Emily Armstrong as their new lead singer as well as comments made allegedly “erasing” his dad’s legacy.
Jaime spoke out about Emily’s controversies, particularly her ties with the Church of Scientology and her public support for Danny Masterson who had been convicted of rape in 2023 and sentenced to prison for at least 30 years, and said that Linkin Park’s recent actions are “betraying” the trust and support that their fanbase has given them over the years.
Photo by James Minchin III
Here’s what Jaime said in full:
“People aren’t having a difficult time wrapping their head around the prospect of LINKIN PARK reinventing itself. They are having a hard time wrapping their head around how you:
1). Hired your FRIEND OF MANY YEARS @emilyarmstrong to replace @chesterbe knowing Emily’s history in the church and her history as an ally to @dannymasterson is what it is.
2). Quietly erased my father’s life and legacy in real time not only during a band interview meant to clear the air about certain aspects of LINKIN PARK’s history and future but during INTERNATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH.
I’d mention you but you restricted my interactions with you because you don’t like what I have to say. So this will have to do.
3). Have refused to acknowledge the impact of hiring someone like Emily without so much as a clarifying statement on the variety of victims that make up YOUR CORE FAN BASE. No acknowledgment of: the way you groom you fan base, @chesterbe, Chester’s kids or family, my falling out with your wife @ANNASHINODA (who cannot be mentioned either), @dannymasterson victims, or even Emily’s intimidation of those victims. And the list goes on. And on. And on.
“What you’ve done’ is not something for people to ACCLIMATE to. It’s not a SHOCK that people are just going to have to take time process and understand. You have betrayed the trust loaned to you by decades of fans and supporting human beings including myself.
We 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. Insane.
At this point, I would wager that all you LP guys know is disrespect. You didn’t trick me!!
I heard you slip at the end of your @zanelowe Interview #2. This album HAS BEEN IN THE WORKS SINCE AT LEAST 2019. Possibly 2017.
I know your pattern. I saw what you did.”
Since airing out his frustration, Jaime has received death threats and has expressed feeling unsafe attending Linkin Park’s scheduled concert on September 11 in Los Angeles which he hopes to go to “for closure.” He then said on his Instagram stories that should anything happen to him and his wife at that concert, “it’s on Linkin Park.”
Emily has addressed the controversy surrounding her alleged support for Masterson, saying in a statement that she has since regretted it.
“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.”
Linkin Park surprised fans around the world by announcing a Linkin Park World Tour 2024 to follow the release of their new album. The world tour, titled From Zero, will feature six arena shows across Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota. “Before Linkin Park, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both that humble beginning and the journey we’re on now. It’s about past, present, and future – embracing our sound but making it new and full of life,” said Mike Shinoda.
“We feel really empowered with this new lineup and the vibrant, energized music we’ve made together.”
(ALSO READ: Linkin Park World Tour 2024: The Band is Back)
Chester died by suicide on July 20, 2017.
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