During a recent appearance on Stefs Rock Show, Jaime Bennington said he thinks Emily Armstrong is a victim of her upbringing.
“Chester knows though, Emily doesn’t know. She’s from a privileged life. She may be a victim of her life, which she is, as a member of Scientology or a child raised in it,” the musician said.
He continued, “You’re a victim whether you want to be or not, because brainwashing is brainwashing. Even if you like it, brainwashing is still brainwashing. A cult is still a cult. I would know—I escaped mine.”
“I consider Linkin Park to be part of a cult. I consider this entire industry to be a cult,” he also added. “I escaped that. That’s why I’m doing this on the other side of the veil. I loved Hollywood and even just being in rock journalism and radio, but I felt like it was a dangerous place that was kind of dark and evil. Hollywood is not for me.”
Jaime previously criticized Armstrong’s hiring because she is linked to Scientology and had supported Danny Masterson, who was convicted of raping two women and got a 30-year to life prison sentence.
Bennington began getting threats after he spoke about Mike Shinoda and Linkin Park. He shared screenshots of his partner’s chat with one of the people who threatened him earlier this month. “With love, Emily and friends,” the person stated during the chat at one time.
“Stop your bullsh*t. You’re not associated with one of the members of the band, you’re just some f*cking p*ssy that hides behind the screen and makes empty threats like I said,” replied Jaime’s partner.
“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,” Jaime shared in another Instagram story.
He added, “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 also accused Mike Shinoda of betraying his father. He shared his thoughts on social media after Emily was introduced as the new singer. Jaime said Shinoda erased his father’s legacy. He felt that Shinoda didn’t consider how hiring Emily would affect fans.