Jaime Bennington, son of the late Chester Bennington, has publicly criticized Mike Shinoda following the announcement of Linkin Park's new lineup, which includes vocalist Emily Armstrong. The band, which had been silent following Chester's death in 2017, made waves during a livestream event on September 5, unveiling Armstrong as their new frontwoman alongside other band changes.
In his Instagram Stories, Jaime expressed his disappointment with Shinoda and the decision to hire Armstrong, stating that many fans feel betrayed. He highlighted the controversy surrounding Armstrong's past connections to Scientology and the convicted rapist Danny Masterson, which sparked further criticism after remarks from Cedric Bixler-Zavala of The Mars Volta.
Shinoda had previously acknowledged the mixed feelings fans might experience with the band's transformation. However, Jaime countered this by stating that the issue transcends mere discomfort; it concerns a breach of trust established with loyal fans over the years.
Jaime's commentary included a definitive critique of Shinoda’s handling of the situation, particularly during what he termed an important time for mental health awareness, as September is recognized as International Suicide Prevention Month. He drew attention to a possible discrepancy in Shinoda's interview about when he met Armstrong, questioning the authenticity of the timeline provided.
Armstrong, in a response to her critics, also reaffirmed her disassociation from Masterson after initially supporting him in court years ago. She emphasized her regret over misjudging his character and described her intent to respect the legacy of Chester Bennington as she steps into her new role.
Linkin Park revealed during the livestream that a new album titled 'From Zero' is in the works and they plan to embark on a shorter world tour, further updating fans on the band's evolution. Despite the initial warm reception to these announcements, Jaime's comments have undoubtedly added complexity to the discourse surrounding Linkin Park's reinvention in the current landscape of rock music.