Chester Bennington’s son says he doesn’t feel ‘safe’ after criticizing Linkin Park’s decision to replace dad
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
The son of the late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has said he doesn't 'feel safe' after criticizing the band's decision to replace his father.
Linkin Park have announced their first album and tour since Bennington's death by suicide in 2017.
The band revealed a new line-up including drummer Colin Brittain and lead singer Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara.
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On their comeback and new era, Linkin Park's co-founder and co-lead vocalist Mike Shinoda said in a statement: "Before Linkin Park, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking.
"Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future - embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans.
"We are proud of what Linkin Park has become over the years, and excited about the journey ahead."
However, Chester Bennington's 28-year-old son, Jaime Bennington, slammed the decision and accused Linkin Park of 'quietly [erasing] my father’s life and legacy in real time… during international suicide prevention month'.
He also hit out at Armstrong over her support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson in court and alleged connections to the Church of Scientology.
Armstrong has since put out a statement online saying that she had been 'asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance'.
She added that she had not realized the extent of the allegations against Masterson at the time, which saw him sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape.
In the wake of his public attack on the band, Bennington has said the backlash meant he would not 'feel safe' attending a Linkin Park concert on general admission.
In an Instagram Story, he said: “There are a lot of people who do not like me. There are a lot of people saying some really awful s*** right now to me.
"To be honest, I don’t think I feel safe going to the show under general admission because I don’t know who I’m around."
Bennington added that he nonetheless felt like he should go to the concert, saying: "I don’t know who would recognize me or take it upon themselves to respond to me in an aggressive manner when I’m just there to see the show. But I do need to see it.”
Speaking about the abuse he has faced online since his criticism, the 28-year-old added: “The audience themselves could be unsafe for me. … I do feel it’s necessary to acknowledge the severity of my situation, the ways in which people choose to interact with me.
“So many of these Linkin Park fans who will be attending have been cruel, unusual and aggressive.”
Linkin Park became one of the most well-known bands of the 2000s after their 2000 album Hybrid Theory saw them propelled to mainstream popularity.
They stopped recording and touring in 2017 after Bennington's suicide, but earlier this month announced that they are releasing a new album and touring this year.
UNILAD has reached out to Linkin Park for comment.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
Kit Roberts