Chester Bennington's son has criticized Linkin Park’s decision to bring in Emily Armstrong as their new vocalist.
On Thursday (September 5), the California-based rock band announced during a livestream that they are making a highly anticipated comeback.
Not only is the iconic band returning with new music, but they have also recruited two new members: Emily Armstrong, a member of the alt-rock band Dead Sara, and drummer Colin Brittain, who replaced Rob Bourdon.
They will be joining the returning members: Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, and Phoenix.
The 38-year-old singer's debut comes seven years after Chester Bennington, the late frontman, tragically took his own life at the age of 41 in 2017.
The group released an official tribute statement at the time, which read: "Dear Chester, Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened.
"You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized. In the past few days, we’ve seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world. Talinda and the family appreciate it, and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father; the family will never be whole without you," they added.
While some fans were happy with Linkin Park's decision to return with a revamped look, others were left disgruntled.
This is because there have been claims that Armstrong supported Danny Masterson, the That '70s Show actor who was convicted of raping two women and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in 2023.mainie
Bennington's son, Jaime, also chimed in on the speculation and aired his discontent with Armstrong's inclusion on Monday (September 9).
Read the post below:
Taking to his Instagram Story, Jaime accused the band's co-founder Mike Shinoda of “quietly [erasing] my father’s life and legacy in real time… during international suicide prevention month," as cited by The Independent.
He highlighted the new vocalist's alleged links with the Church of Scientology as well as her support of Masterson and said that the group had “failed to address the concerns of their diverse fanbase” and that their recent actions are “not something people should acclimate to".
In a series of comments, he wrote that the band “betrayed the trust” of the fanbase, adding: “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."
Jaime claimed in a post on Tuesday (September 10) that Shinoda has now blocked him on the social media platform.
Although Shinoda has not publicly addressed Jaime’s objections, Armstrong has spoken out against the claims she still supports Masterson via her Instagram story, cited by Forbes.
"Hi, I’m Emily,” Armstrong began. “I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back.”
She went on to explain her connection to Masterson, writing: “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," she continued.
“Unimaginable details emerged and he was later found guilty,” she said, claiming that she distanced herself from the disgraced actor.
“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,” Armstrong emphasized.
The announcement that Armstrong had joined Linkin Park was accompanied by a new single 'The Emptiness Machine' and the news that the band will release their new album, From Zero, on November 15.
The group will also be embarking on a six-date world tour in support of their new project, kicking off in Los Angeles on September 11.
