Chester Bennington’s son, Jaime, has expressed serious concerns over the hiring of Emily Armstrong as the new Linkin Park singer, especially given her past connections to Scientology and her support for Danny Masterson, who was convicted of rape. Jaime has been vocal on social media about his feelings, claiming that the decision to hire Armstrong erases his father’s legacy.
Recently, he reported receiving death threats from fans of Armstrong, prompting him to call for action from Linkin Park and their management to address the aggressive behavior of some fans. He shared screenshots showing the hostile messages directed at him, emphasizing that he is attending an upcoming concert for closure and not to incite conflict.
Jaime’s criticisms were particularly pointed towards Mike Shinoda, whom he accused of betraying his father’s memory. He called out the band for what he sees as a lack of acknowledgment of the diverse backgrounds of their fan base during a sensitive time, notably international suicide prevention month.
Despite the backlash, Linkin Park has moved forward with their announcement of Armstrong as their new lead vocalist and plans for a new album, “From Zero,” set to release on November 15, 2024. The situation highlights the complex emotions surrounding the band’s transition and the impact it has on Chester’s family and fans.