Chester Bennington's Son Slams Linkin Park for Hiring New Vocalist, Says Band Has 'Betrayed the Trust' of Fans

Mar. 15, 2025

Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington perform in Ohio in May 2015.Photo:Jason Squires/WireImage

Jason Squires/WireImage

Chester Bennington’s son Jamie has shared his disapproval ofLinkin Park’s new singer.

He had additional criticisms of Linkin Park, saying they “failed to address the concerns of their diverse fan base” and that they “betrayed the trust” of the fanbase who “trusted you to be the bigger better person. To be the change. Because you promised us that was your intention.”

In his posts, the late artist’s son also claimed that Linkin Park’s co-founderMike Shinodahad “quietly erased my father’s life and legacy in real time… during international suicide prevention month.”

Chester Bennington performs in San Francisco in April 2015.Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic

On Thursday, Sept. 5, Linkin Park, which now includes Shinoda, Armstrong, Colin Brittain, Brad Delson, Phoenix and Joe Hahn, announced their first new album in seven years withFrom Zero, which is due Nov. 15. They also shared their blistering new single"The Emptiness Machine.”

Shortly after news of Armstrong joining the band was reported on Friday, the Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala — whose wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, was one of several womenwho accused Masterson of sexual assault— resurfaced allegations on social media that Armstrong had supported theThat ’70s Showactor, 48, ahead of his 2020 trial.

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Linkin Park in 2024.James Minchin III

James Minchin III

On Friday, Sept. 6, Armstrong shared a statement on her Instagram Story in an effort “to clear the air” about her previous support of Masterson, perRolling Stone.

“I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance, and went to one early hearing as an observer. Soon after, I realized I shouldn’t have,” she wrote, adding that she hasn’t spoken to Masterson since. “To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes."

source: people.com