Chester Bennington's widow, Talinda, has expressed support for Linkin Park's new vocalist, Emily Armstrong. Following the band’s announcement of their comeback with Armstrong as a replacement for the late Bennington, Talinda commented on an Instagram post from Armstrong using a series of fire emojis, indicating her endorsement. This came after a live-streamed event on Thursday, September 5, where Linkin Park introduced Armstrong as their new frontwoman. Chester Bennington, who died by suicide in 2017, has left a significant legacy, and the transition to a new singer is a pivotal moment for the band.
Armstrong took to Instagram to thank fans for their love and support following the announcement. Despite an initial wave of positive responses from fans and industry peers, controversy has emerged regarding Armstrong's past ties to Scientology and convicted rapist Danny Masterson. This came to light when a message from The Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala about Armstrong was shared online.
In a related note, Chester’s son, Jamie, commented on the aggression he received from some fans after he criticized the band’s decisions, specifically targeting remarks made by Mike Shinoda, the band’s co-founder. Following her husband's death, Talinda has become a mental health advocate, raising awareness about warning signs and the importance of discussing mental health issues. Links to mental health resources, including Help Musicians UK and The Samaritans, have been encouraged for those in need.
For more on the band and their new direction, visit Linkin Park's official news page at NME.