Chester Bennington’s son, Jaime, revealed on Instagram that he’s been receiving death threats from fans of Linkin Park’s new singer, Emily Armstrong.
Bennington passed away by suicide in 2017. Jaime recently criticized Armstrong’s hiring, citing her connection to Scientology and her prior support for Danny Masterson, who was convicted of raping two women and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
The threats began following Jaime’s statements about Mike Shinoda and Linkin Park. He shared screenshots of a conversation between his partner and one of the people sending threats. At one point during the chat, the person said, “With love, Emily and friends.”
Jaime’s partner responded, “Stop your bullsh*t. You’re not associated with one of the members of the band, you’re just some fucking pussy that hides behind the screen and makes empty threats like I said.”
It appears that either Emily’s fans or friends targeted Chester’s son. In another Instagram story, Jaime stated, “Repeatedly: 1) I have asked Linkin Park band members, affiliated SM accounts, and BAND MGMT to step in and correct the behavior of their more aggressive (radicalized) fans. Some of which call themselves soldiers.”
He continued, “2) I have alerted the band and mgmt that I intend to attend the concert. And asked to receive a formal acknowledgment if they don’t want me at the show. 3) I have claimed that I am attending the concert for closure, as well as to observe. I come in peace. I have been ignored.”
Jaime recently accused Shinoda of betraying his father’s legacy. After the band’s September 5 livestream introducing Armstrong as their new vocalist, Jaime posted on Instagram: “You hired your friend of many years, Emily Armstrong, to replace Chester… knowing Emily’s history in the church and her history as an ally to Danny Masterson.”
He further stated, “You quietly erase[d] my father’s life and legacy in real time… during international suicide prevention month and refuse to acknowledge the impact of hiring someone like Emily, without so much as a clarifying statement on the variety of victims that make up your core fan base.”
Jaime continued his criticism, saying, “You betrayed the trust loaned to you by decades of fans and supporting human beings including myself. 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.”
After introducing Armstrong as their new singer, Linkin Park also released a new song titled ‘The Emptiness Machine.’ Their upcoming album, ‘From Zero,’ is set to be released on November 15, 2024.
Photo Credit: Jaime Bennington – Instagram
