Korn Guitarist Faces Backlash After Branding Chester Bennington a ‘Coward’ Following Suicide, Later Retracts Comments
In the wake of Chester Bennington’s tragic suicide, Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch found himself at the center of controversy after making a series of comments that many perceived as insensitive. The comments, posted on Facebook shortly after news of the Linkin Park frontman’s death broke, sparked significant backlash, prompting Welch to retract his statements and issue an apology.
The Controversial Comments
The world was stunned by the news of Chester Bennington’s suicide on July 20, 2017. As fans and fellow musicians grappled with the loss, Welch took to social media to express his grief, frustration, and confusion. However, his words struck a nerve with many, as they seemed to blame Bennington for his death, labeling the act of suicide as “cowardly.”
“Honestly, Chester’s an old friend who we’ve hung with many times, and I have friends who are extremely close to him, but this is truly pissing me off! How can these guys send this message to their kids and fans?! I’m sick of this suicide shit! I’ve battled depression/mental illness, and I’m trying to be sympathetic, but it’s hard when you’re pissed! Enough is enough! Giving up on your kids, fans, and life is the cowardly way out!!!” Welch wrote on his Facebook page.
The comments, while perhaps born out of a place of grief and shock, quickly garnered criticism. Fans and mental health advocates alike accused Welch of being insensitive, arguing that his statements overlooked the complex and often overwhelming nature of mental illness.
The Backlash
Welch’s remarks were met with a swift and strong reaction, particularly on social media platforms like Twitter, where fans of both Korn and Linkin Park expressed their disappointment and anger. Many pointed out that Welch’s comments perpetuated harmful stereotypes about mental health and suicide, suggesting that his words could further stigmatize those struggling with similar issues.
One Twitter user wrote, “Brian Welch’s comments about Chester Bennington are beyond disappointing. Suicide isn’t cowardly; it’s the result of unimaginable pain. He should know better.”
Another echoed these sentiments, stating, “Mental illness is a disease. It’s not about ‘giving up.’ Brian Welch’s comments are hurtful and dangerous. This kind of thinking is what stops people from seeking help.”
The backlash highlighted the delicate nature of discussing topics like suicide and mental health, especially in a public forum. Many felt that Welch, as a public figure and someone who has been open about his own struggles with addiction and mental health, should have been more cautious and compassionate in his response.
Welch’s Retraction and Apology
Recognizing the outcry his initial comments had caused, Welch later returned to Facebook to clarify his remarks and offer an apology. In his retraction, Welch expressed regret for the tone and content of his earlier post, acknowledging that his emotions had gotten the better of him.
“I didn’t mean to sound insensitive about Chester,” he wrote. “Just dealing with a range of emotions today. Love you Chester. I’m pissed that you did this, but I know this could have been me back in the day after getting wasted one night.”
In his apology, Welch tried to explain that his comments were a reflection of his own pain and frustration, not a judgment of Bennington’s actions. He emphasized that he understood the gravity of mental illness and the toll it can take on an individual, acknowledging that he himself had once been in a dark place where he could have made a similar decision.
So Head from Korn has come out with the dumbest take on Chester Benningtons death. He's a a bit of a prick isn't he
— Sam (@TrueZero_) July 20, 2017
Despite his efforts to walk back the comments, the damage had been done. Many fans and mental health advocates felt that Welch’s apology, while necessary, did not fully address the harm caused by his initial remarks. Some argued that his retraction came too late and that the original message had already spread, potentially reinforcing harmful misconceptions about suicide and mental health.
The Impact of Chester Bennington’s Death
Chester Bennington’s suicide at the age of 41 sent shockwaves through the music community, particularly among fans of the nu-metal genre, of which Bennington was a leading figure. As the frontman of Linkin Park, Bennington’s raw, emotional lyrics and powerful vocals had resonated with millions of fans around the world, many of whom saw him as a voice for those struggling with their own mental health issues.
I don't listen to Korn or know who "Head" is but what really sends a dreadful msg to your fans is being an insensitive scumbag about suicide
— Marianne (@sadglamour) July 21, 2017
Bennington’s death was made all the more poignant by its timing—he died on the birthday of his close friend, Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who had also died by suicide just two months earlier. This connection between the two musicians, both of whom had publicly struggled with depression and addiction, highlighted the pervasive and often hidden nature of mental illness in the music industry.
Experts in suicide prevention have noted that the timing of Bennington’s death may bear some significance. The phenomenon of “suicide contagion”—where one suicide may influence others, particularly within a close-knit community or among those who share similar risk factors—has been well-documented. Bennington’s grief over Cornell’s death may have played a role in his decision to take his own life, illustrating the complex interplay between personal loss, mental health, and suicide.
The Importance of Compassion and Understanding
The controversy surrounding Brian Welch’s comments serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding when discussing mental health and suicide. While Welch’s initial reaction may have been driven by grief and frustration, it also underscored the need for sensitivity in how we talk about these issues, particularly when the person involved is no longer here to speak for themselves.
Welch’s experience with his own mental health struggles could have provided him with a unique perspective to offer support and understanding in the wake of Bennington’s death. Instead, his comments were seen as contributing to the stigma that often surrounds suicide, making it harder for those struggling to seek the help they need.
In the days and weeks following Bennington’s death, many in the music community—including his bandmates in Linkin Park—called for greater awareness and support for mental health. They urged fans to seek help if they were struggling and emphasized that no one should have to face their battles alone.
Chester Bennington’s death was a tragic loss that deeply affected fans, friends, and fellow musicians. The backlash against Brian Welch’s comments in the aftermath of this tragedy highlights the ongoing need for compassion, understanding, and sensitivity when discussing mental health and suicide. As we remember Bennington’s legacy, it is crucial to continue the conversation about mental health in a way that encourages support, reduces stigma, and ultimately saves lives.
