Linkin Park’s return to the spotlight after a seven-year hiatus just keeps getting messier. Jaime Bennington, son of the late Chester Bennington, took to Instagram to publicly criticise the band’s decision to appoint Emily Armstrong as their new lead singer. In the announcement, Jaime accuses co-founder Mike Shinoda of “betraying fans’ trust” and erasing his father’s legacy.
In a string of Instagram Stories (pictured below), Jaime expressed his dismay, saying, “Mike Shinoda has quietly erased my father’s life and legacy in real time… during international suicide prevention month.” Chester Bennington tragically committed suicide in 2017 and had been open about his struggles with mental health and trauma as a child sexual abuse victim, making the selection of Armstrong extremely contentious.
Jaime Bennington’s Instagram Stories:
Ties to Scientology and Masterson
Jaime’s main concerns are Armstrong’s alleged connection to Scientology and her support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson. This issue resurfaced after The Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala posted about Emily’s attendance at a 2020 arraignment in support of disgraced Masterson. Masterson was convicted of raping two women and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in 2023.
Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, one of Masterson’s victims and wife of Cedric Bixler-Zavala, shared damning statements about Armstrong’s involvement. Chrissie called out Armstrong’s deep ties to Scientology and accused her of actively supporting Masterson. She wrote:
“Linkin Park’s new lead singer is a hardcore Scientologist who supported a convicted serial rapist both in and out of court. Emily Armstrong is a true believer of the Scientology cult/criminal organisation that engages in human and child trafficking, child and elder abuse, and the coverups of countless sexual assaults on children and adults.”
Chrissie continued to explain how deeply rooted Armstrong’s connection to Scientology is, stating that Emily’s parents work for Scientology’s Office of Special Affairs (OSA), which is notorious for harassment campaigns against those who criticise the church. “Linkin Park just replaced Chester with a hardcore 2nd generation Scientologist,” Chrissie added, making it clear that Armstrong’s background makes her, in Chrissie’s words, “unfit to fill Chester Bennington’s shoes.”
Perhaps the most chilling part of Chrissie’s post was her detailing the personal harassment she and her family have faced as a result of speaking out against Scientology. She claimed that members of the church were responsible for the barbaric murder of her dogs, an intimidation tactic often associated with Scientology’s alleged retribution strategies. Chrissie wrote: “You don’t speak out against Scientology not because you’re terrified of them. You don’t speak out because you are one of them. Shame on Linkin Park.”
A Band Divided?
The timing of all this couldn’t be worse for Linkin Park, who have just announced their new album From Zero, set for drop on November 15th, alongside a world tour. Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain were recently revealed as the band’s new additions, kicking off their return with a single called The Emptiness Machine.
However, the backlash from Jaime Bennington, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and fans alike has cast a dark shadow over the band’s comeback. Jaime, in particular, criticised the band for not living up to the values they once stood for, stating: “People trusted you to be the bigger, better person. To be the change. Now you’re just senile and tone-deaf.”
Emily Armstrong, in a since-expired Instagram Story, attempted to distance herself from her association with Danny Masterson. She wrote, “Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend… Soon after, I realised I shouldn’t have. I always try to see the good in people, and I misjudged him.”
But for fans-turned-internet-sleuths, the apology rings hollow, pointing out that Armstrong and Masterson were still following each other on social media until the public backlash. The decision not to name him specifically, as well as completely glossing over Scientology in her statement, is telling.
What’s Next for Linkin Park?
Linkin Park’s upcoming From Zero world tour is scheduled to hit arenas in major cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, and Seoul, with a final show in Bogotá, Colombia. Despite the excitement from some fans about new music, the controversy surrounding Armstrong’s involvement is likely to loom over the tour.
Chester Bennington’s legacy evolved into more than music. He was an advocate, a survivor, and a voice for those struggling in silence. With Jaime Bennington speaking out against what he sees as a betrayal, Linkin Park is facing its most public division yet. As the band moves forward, they’ll have to navigate a hurting fanbase, with questions over whether they can truly honour Chester’s memory.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. You can reach Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au for confidential help.
Stay unruly.
