Korn star condemned for response to Chester’s sudden passing

As the music industry attempts to come to terms with the tragic passing of Linkin Park frontman, Chester Bennington, social media users have condemned Korn guitarist for suggesting Chester's death was a sign of cowardice.

In a Facebook post he shared last night, Brian Welch wrote: "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?!"

In a move which has stunned fans and followers, Brian went on to claim that Chester's decision to take his own life was born of cowardice.

‘I’m sick of this suicide shit! I’ve battled depression/mental illness, and I’m trying to be sempethetic, but it’s hard when you’re pissed!" (sic)

"Enough is enough! Giving up on your kids, fans, and life is the cowardly way out!!!"

Perhaps realising that his opinion may be met with condemnation, he added: "I’m sorry, I know meds and/or alcohol may have been involved, I’m just processing like all of us and I know we are all having some of the same thoughts/feelings."

However, Brian's attempt at justifying his remark wasn't enough to placate understandably upset members of the public.

"That's like saying you've battled cancer and that people who die of cancer are weak," countered one follower. "Some people have it worse than others . Doesn't make you weak or a coward."

"I have lost whatever respect i had for you," wrote another. "Do you really think this is something he would have wanted if he thought there was another option?"

"If you've battled depression and/or mental illness you should realise suicide is not cowardly or selfish, it's an act out of desperation," added another.

"Use your fame and celebrity to encourage anyone considering suicide to seek help, and not as a platform to be ignorant and condescending."

Following the backlash, Brian returned to Facebook to clarify his thought process.

"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," he added.

Despite the backlash, Brian's initial post amassed a staggering 36,000 likes on Facebook.