Chester Bennington’s son accuses Linkin Park of ‘erasing’ dad’s legacy

Jaime Bennington, the son of the late Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington, has criticized the band’s decision to feature singer Emily Armstrong on their latest album and upcoming arena tour.

On Sunday, Jaime took to Instagram to express his frustration with the returning Linkin Park members, particularly co-founder Mike Shinoda, for selecting Armstrong as the band’s new lead singer. Jaime claimed Shinoda “quietly erased my father’s life and legacy in real time” by bringing Armstrong into the group.

Chester Bennington died by suicide in 2017.

Armstrong, 33, is the co-founder of the rock band Dead Sara. Since her selection as Linkin Park’s new vocalist, she has faced backlash from some fans, particularly due to her alleged ties to the Church of Scientology.

Some Linkin Park fans accused Armstrong of supporting actor Danny Masterson during his 2020 rape trial. Masterson, a former star of That ’70s Show, was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2023 for the rape of two women.

Jaime also accused Shinoda and the other band members — Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn — of “betraying trust” and failing to address the concerns of the band’s diverse fanbase. He called Shinoda “senile and tone-deaf.”

In response to the controversy, Armstrong issued a statement last week to address the allegations surrounding Masterson. She explained that she initially supported Masterson, who she had considered a friend, during his trial but later regretted it. “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,” she wrote on Instagram. Armstrong emphasized she has not been in contact with Masterson since the trial.

Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain joined the remaining Linkin Park members on stage during a livestreamed concert in Los Angeles last Thursday, where they performed the band’s latest single, The Emptiness Machine, which features Armstrong’s vocals. This song marks the band’s first official release since Chester’s death and is part of their forthcoming album, From Zero.

Since Sunday, Jaime Bennington has continued to post critical Instagram stories, accusing the band of prioritizing profit with their new album and tour. He expressed frustration about being left out of the decision-making process, saying, “Nobody told me Linkin Park was coming back. Nobody asked me how I felt. Nobody offered to have me in the conversation.”

Jaime also revealed that Shinoda has blocked him on social media. So far, Linkin Park has not publicly responded to Jaime’s criticisms.

Shinoda, however, has acknowledged that it may take time for fans to embrace Armstrong as the band’s new singer. Speaking on Discord this week, he said, “If people are respectfully not there yet, I’m totally fine with that. But disrespect me, and you will lose my respect in return.”

Linkin Park, alongside Armstrong and Brittain, have announced a six-date arena tour with stops in Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota.

While Brad Delson, the band’s original lead guitarist, has voiced support for Armstrong, he has chosen not to perform on stage during the reunion tour. Delson explained he now prefers to work behind the scenes, focusing on studio collaborations and helping to develop the band’s live shows. Alex Feder will serve as lead guitarist during the tour.

Linkin Park’s new album, From Zero, is slated for release on November 15.