The family of former Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has broken its silence on the band's return after a seven-year hiatus following Chester's death.
On Instagram Stories, Jamie Bennington, son of the band's slain lead singer, described the comeback as a “tone deaf” move as it coincided with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Chester, who committed suicide at age 40, was recently replaced by former Sara dead The group's leader, Emily Armstrong, who has been under fire for her resurfaced controversies.
Jamie began by pointing out that what was worrying was not the band's decision to “reinvent” itself, but the timing and history attached to its new lead vocalist.
“People have no trouble accepting the prospect of Linkin Park reinventing themselves,” Jaime posted on Sunday.
“They are having a hard time understanding how: 1) you hired your long-time friend @emilyarmstrong to replace [Chester].”
Jaime, 28, went on to denounce Armstrong's alleged association with the Church of Scientology and convicted rapist Danny Masterson, who was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison last year.
He noted that the band “has refused to acknowledge the impact of hiring someone like Emily.”
Jaime continued to claim that they “silently deleted” [his] “The life and legacy of the father in real time.”
“You have betrayed the trust placed in you for decades by fans and fellow human beings who support you, including myself,” he wrote to Shinoda, 47.
“We trusted that you would be a better person… Because you promised us that was your intention. Now you are senile and tone deaf. You are crazy.”
Amid the public backlash, one of the band's founding members and lead guitarist, Brad Delson, also made a sudden exit. Metro reported.
Brad, however, clarified by admitting he was “in awe” of new members Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain for their “passion, talent and collaboration.”
It is pertinent to mention that Alex Feder will now step forward from the position of second guitarist and take over the leadership following Brad's resignation.
Armstrong, 38, also received criticism from Mars Volta Singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, on Sunday, after previously accusing Masterson of sexual assault.
The couple, who happen to be ex-Scientologists, have sued the church for allegations of “human and child trafficking” and said Armstrong has not spoken out against the institution because he is “afraid” of them.
“Shame on Linkin Park,” they wrote.
Meanwhile, Armstrong addressed the backlash surrounding his new role in Linkin Park on his Instagram Story on Sunday, saying he once went to a court hearing for an unnamed friend when he “shouldn't have.”
“I always try to see the good in people and I misjudged him,” she wrote, referring to Masterson. “I have never spoken to him since. Unimaginable details emerged when he was later found guilty.
“To put it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women and I stand in solidarity with the victims of these crimes.”
