Chester Bennington’s son criticizes Mike Shinoda for new vocalist choice

Jaime Bennington, the son of the late Chester Bennington, publicly criticized Mike Shinoda, a founding member of Linkin Park, for selecting Emily Armstrong as the band's new lead vocalist. This announcement came as the band sought to reinvent itself after a seven-year hiatus following Chester's tragic death by suicide in 2017. Jaime expressed his discontent on Instagram, questioning the decision to hire a long-time friend of Shinoda's, particularly given Armstrong's alleged connections to controversial figures and organizations, including the Church of Scientology and convicted rapist Danny Masterson. In his post, Jaime highlighted the negative implications of hiring someone with such a background, suggesting that the band had disregarded the legacy of his father. He accused Linkin Park of erasing Chester's life and contributions, especially during a sensitive time marked by Suicide Prevention Month. The backlash was not limited to Jaime, as Cedric Bixler-Zavala, lead singer of Mars Volta, and his wife also criticized Armstrong, linking her to the Church of Scientology and its alleged abuses. The band announced their comeback with Armstrong and new drummer Colin Brittain, following Rob Bourdon's departure. Existing members have been meeting privately to discuss the band's future, culminating in the release of their new single, "The Emptiness Machine," from the upcoming album "Zero," set to launch on November 15. The decision to move forward with new members has sparked significant controversy and emotional responses from fans and family alike. This situation underscores the complexities of legacy and change within a band that has been deeply affected by personal tragedy. The choice of a new vocalist has not only raised questions about artistic direction but also about the ethical considerations surrounding the individuals involved, reflecting the ongoing struggle to honor Chester's memory while navigating the future of Linkin Park.