‘SENILE AND TONE DEAF’

Son of Linkin Park’s Late Frontman Breaks Silence Over New Singer

Jaime Bennington criticized the band for bringing in Emily Armstrong, who has faced criticism over her past support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson.

The son of Chester Bennington, the former Linkin Park frontman who died by suicide in 2017, lashed out at the band for its decision to bring in a new singer who has faced criticism over her ties to the Church of Scientology and past support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson. In a series of furious Instagram Story posts on Monday, Jaime Bennington accused Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda of having “quietly erased my father’s life and legacy in real time” by announcing Emily Armstrong’s hiring during International Suicide Prevention Month. “You have betrayed the trust loaned to you by decades of fans and supporting human beings including myself,” Jaime wrote. “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.” The band, which went into hibernation after Bennington’s death, announced last week that Armstrong would take over lead vocalist duties for a forthcoming album and world tour. The backlash to Armstrong’s appointment quickly followed. She distanced herself from Masterson in a social media statement over the weekend, saying she did not condone “abuse or violence against women.”