The Linkin Park Controversy & My Thoughts

Linkin Park is, without a doubt, one of the biggest bands of the 21st century. Formed by Mike Shinoda in 1996, the band would find huge success almost immediately after vocalist Chester Bennington was brought on board. 2000's "Hybrid Theory" was a smash hit that launched the band's career, leading to the highly anticipated follow-up, "Meteora" in 2003. A number of successful albums followed, which eventually leads us to 2017, when front man Chester Bennington tragically passed. Now in 2024 after years of inactivity, Linkin Park is back with a new vocalist. But unfortunately this new era of the band has been highly controversial.

Emily Armstrong is Linkin Park's new singer and her ties to Scientology have divided fans. This is a very tricky situation that must be discussed with nuance. I try my best to do so in this video. But ultimately, there are still many unknowns.

How do you feel about everything?

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[theprodigy]

Blame depression and untreated childhood trauma for almost destroying LINKIN PARK. if Chester had the tools to treat his childhood trauma back when he was a kid, then he would still be here. mental health wasn’t talked about back in his time.

[boot-strapper]

Sorry but if she was genuine she wouldnt have deleted the apology in less than 24 hours

[veraanastasiaramirezrozas]

I still feel a bit conflicted on whether or not to continue with Linkin Park. I was slowly going through album to album. As I didn't exactly grow up with the band's music. I listened to a couple of their songs. And I knew the band, but then I wasn't a fan. Until much later, which was after Chester’s death. Anyways, I feel hesitant in continuing simply because of the toxic fans. I have seen toxic fandoms before, but I think Linkin Park takes the number 1 spot. Seriously, I never met such entitled and demented people. And this is me talking about the toxic fans that exist in that band. Not you, or any other fans who actually can still talk civil, without screeching. Sorry, for rambling lol.

[genghis_connie]

This is prime content
for video short as an ad.
P.S. LAVA LAMP!!! *bloop! bloop!*

[arcadeguy]

Yeah, Scientologists don’t believe in mental health and that rubs me the wrong way. Some people with mental illness actually got help from Linkin Park because Chester shared his struggles. Yes, Mike wrote the songs, but Chester was the voice behind the lyrics. If she was Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Wiccan, Pangan, atheist, agnostic, etc I wouldn’t see a problem, but Scientology rubs me the wrong way because of the band being pro mental health. Mike Shinoda’s discord has the suicide hotline on it, so that just proves that he’s pro mental health awareness and is not a Scientologist. Now, can she leave the cult? Maybe but it has to be done in a delicate way because her mother is a high ranked member (Sea Org to be specific). Yes, I do believe that this will affect their legacy because as I said they are pro mental health awareness. Chester fought against depression since he was a child, and couldn’t take it anymore. Emily is a victim of the cult and there’s no question about that. This was an excellent video, and I’m glad that you looked at every perspective.

[Magdi-cp]

You fail to understand she was harassing and intimidating his victims, she's Scientologist she doesn't understand normal people she should be ashamed of supporting him . I stopped listening to LP ever since she joined the band I am not going to support band with her in it .

[antoniotapao]

Look..She's really great on stage, her presence, her raspy screaming voice is just right on the band..I think Mike Shinoda and the rest of LP are very fortunate to have her..And I don't really care if she's a Scientologist or she's gay..Actually i do care that she is a Lesbian a very 'Hot' sexy lesbian singing her heart out, I Love that!..About that actor she's made a statement already that's about it ok, she felt sorry about that, for me personally i don't care what the haters say about her.. It's still the Music that counts for me and Her as the New Vocalist!...

[lunallenadeardillaroja]

Do people not make mistakes that they later regret? Besides judging for being BORN INTO scientology? People can change later in life. She probably changed her mind once she saw how bad it is. Also can’t forget other religions have also done/still do or cover crimes. So can’t really judge her.
I’m gonna stay with the band. I really loved her voice and style

[TeamCR]

This is the best version of LP for sure

[owenraspberry]

I personally don't believe in attacking people because of their religious beliefs. Imagine if you replaced "Scientologist" with "Muslim" or "Catholic". It would be completely unacceptable, however because it's Scientology, all of the sudden it's ok?

[rcb]

There is no controversy. There are people that didn’t want change and people that are open to it. Then there are channels they support the change and there are channels that profit off vitriol 24/7. Period

[JazSemGrega]

People don’t hate here because she is in that cult…. People are just seeking excuses to hate her