Meet Jaime Bennington, son of late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, who’s lashing out at the band and its new singer, Emily Armstrong

Sep 12 , 2024

Chester Bennington’s son Jaime Bennington is making headlines for his strong opposition of new Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong. Photos: @thepicturepiecesarchive/Instagram

The director and musician has slammed his father’s former bandmate, Mike Shinoda, for not protecting his father’s legacy, and doesn’t believe the former Linkin Park frontman died by suicide

It’s a strange time to be a Linkin Park fan. The legendary noughties rock band has a new album coming out this November called From Zero, seven years after frontman Chester Bennington died by suicide. They’ve also introduced a brand new – and controversial – vocalist, Emily Armstrong, who’s been accused of having ties to Scientology and supporting convicted rapist Danny Masterson.

Despite the drama, Armstrong’s new bandmates are thrilled with her addition – guitarist Brad Delson even said “Emily just being Emily works in Linkin Park” – and are gearing up to go on tour.

Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda performed with Emily Armstrong in Los Angeles last week, shortly after it was announced that the Dead Sara singer would become Linkin Park’s new vocalist. Photo: AP

Some fans, however, are less than thrilled, arguing that replacing Chester Bennington is disrespectful. Leading this loud faction is the late singer’s son, Jaime Bennington, who the former Linkin Park frontman shared with ex-wife Elka Brand.

So, who is Jaime Bennington, and what has he said about his father’s former band?

What did Jaime Bennington say about Linkin Park co-founder, Mike Shinoda?

Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park performs on stage in Los Angeles last week. Photo: AP

In a furious Instagram Story, the 28-year-old accused Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda of “quietly [erasing] my father’s life and legacy in real time” as well as “[refusing] to acknowledge the impact of hiring someone like Emily”.

After speaking out, Bennington was reportedly bombarded with hate messages from LP fans. “There are a lot of people saying some really awful s*** right now to me,” he shared on his Instagram Story, adding that they were “cruel, unusual and aggressive”. He also stated that he planned to attend an upcoming Linkin Park concert for “closure”, but was worried about being recognised and harassed. On Monday, he even revealed that he’s been receiving death threats.

He’s a director and musician

Jaime Bennington posted this throwback photo with his father, former Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, to mark six years since the musician’s death. Photo: @thepicturepiecesarchive/Instagram