Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda has said some fans have rejected the band’s new vocalist Emily Armstrong simply because she is a woman.
Armstrong, the lead singer of rock band Dead Sara, joined Linkin Park in 2024 alongside original members Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and Joe Hahn. Her arrival marked the first major lineup change since the death of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017.
In an interview with The Guardian, Shinoda explained that the backlash against Armstrong wasn’t only about music.
“There were people who lashed out at Emily, and it was really because she wasn’t a guy,” Shinoda said. “Fans were used to Linkin Park being six guys. They were just so uncomfortable with what it was that they chose a ton of things to complain about.”
Some criticism has also come from Bennington’s family. His son Jaime publicly accused Shinoda of “erasing” his father’s legacy during international suicide prevention month. Bennington’s mother, Susan Eubanks, told Rolling Stone that she felt “betrayed” by the band for not informing her about their comeback.
“They told me if they were ever going to do something, they would let me know,” she said. “They didn’t let me know, and they probably knew that I wasn’t going to be very happy.”
In addition to facing criticism for joining the band, Armstrong has also been questioned over her past connection to Scientology. She drew backlash for attending a court hearing in support of actor Danny Masterson, who was later convicted of rape.
In a statement, Armstrong said she supported Masterson at the time because she considered him a friend but later realised she was wrong.
“I always try to see the good in people and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since,” she said. “To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathise with the victims of these crimes.”
Despite the controversy, Linkin Park are continuing their global tour for their 2024 album From Zero. Shinoda said the focus of their shows is on creating “really good vibes.”
The band has also decided not to perform One More Light, the title track from their final album with Bennington, saying it is “just too sad.”
