Chester Bennington's son rips Mike Shinoda for 'erasing father's legacy' by hiring Emily Armstrong
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Linkin Park’s regrouping by enlisting singer Emily Armstrong has not been welcomed by many with Jaime Bennington, son of the late Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington, taking the pioneer role in slamming the band’s founder Mike Shinoda.
Following the iconic band’s announcement of the hiring of Dead Sara group’s Armstrong as the new co-lead vocalist, the 28-year-old Jaime aired his grievances on his Instagram on September 9.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, the son of Chester, who died by suicide on July 20, 2017, aged 41, accused Shinoda of “quietly erasing my father’s life and legacy in real time.”
Chester Bennington’s son slams Mike Shinoda for recruiting Emily Armstrong as new vocalist
On his social media, Jaime Bennington revealed that he is firmly opposed to the idea of Emily Armstrong taking the position of co-lead vocalist seven years after his father’s tragic passing.
Jaime called out Shinoda for hiring Armstrong, saying that he found the singer’s past problematic because of her involvement with Scientology and past ties with actor Danny Masterson, who was convicted of rape.
On his social media, Jaime said, “People aren't having a difficult time wrapping their heads around the prospect of Linkin Park reinventing itself,” per Daily Mail.
Calling out the Linkin Park founder, Jaime said, “You hired your friend of many years, Emily Armstrong, to replace Chester, knowing Emily’s history in the church and her history as an ally to Danny Masterson.”
He further criticized the band for choosing September, which is International Suicide Prevention Month, to announce the news, while questioning the impact it may have on the band’s loyal fan base.
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Jaime blasted, “You quietly erase[d] my father’s life and legacy in real time, during international suicide prevention month and refuse 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," per Billboard.
“You 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,” added the furious son of Chester.
Emily Armstrong clears air surrounding Danny Masterson
Amid the ongoing criticism, Emily Armstrong, who was previously with the band Dead Sara, cleared the air regarding her link to Danny Masterson through a post on Instagram.
On Sunday, September 8, she admitted on Instagram Stories, that she “shouldn't have” supported Masterson by attending one of his court hearings in the past.
She explained, “I always try to see the good in people and I misjudged him,” and added, “I have never spoken with him since.”
“Unimaginable details emerged as 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,” continued the songstress.
Linkin Park is regrouping with new ensemble
According to the Daily Mail, the band is regrouping with Emily Armstrong as the new lead vocalist. They also announced that Colin Brittain will be replacing former drummer Rob Bourdon, who has decided to step away from the group.
The band has released their new track, 'The Emptiness Machine,' from their upcoming album, 'From Zero.' The album is set to be released on November 15.
