Brian McKnight faces backlash after estranged son Niko’s death
Brian McKnight and his son Niko (right). Images: Instagram/@fiftyclicks, brianmcknight23
Brian McKnight is facing public scrutiny after reportedly making no effort to reach out to his son Niko McKnight as the latter battled cancer until his recent death on May 30.
International outlets reported that Brian did not contact Niko or any immediate family during this time, which reignited conversations about the longstanding rift between the singer and his biological children.
“He did not contact or see Niko,” a source, identified as a close friend of the family, told Page Six. “[But Niko] was surrounded by an abundance of love and support from those who truly mattered [during his final days].”
READ: PBB housemate Esnyr emotional as he bares family drama, estrangement from dad
Niko and Brian McKnight Jr. are the sons of Brian from his previous marriage to Julie McKnight. Brian also fathered two other daughters from previous relationships, with whom he was also estranged.
Julie announced Niko’s death after a two-year battle with color cancer on Instagram via a representative as she asked for “privacy and continued prayers as they navigate this difficult time.”
View this post on Instagram
Brian’s brother Claude also mourned the loss of his nephew as he also seemingly addressed the “family drama.”
“I’m devastated at my nephews’ passing. If you comment please do in love, and NOT at what you may have heard about the relationship my brother had/has with his kids. Thank you,” he wrote on TikTok.
As of writing, the “One Last Cry” singer has not issued a public statement about his son’s death, prompting a wave of backlash online.
“I honestly feel Brian feels no remorse. I don’t know what demons he’s possessed by, but I honestly don’t think he cares anything about the loss of his son. I don’t know if he needs our curses or our prayers,” wrote one netizen on TikTok.
Image: Screengrab from TikTok
The tension between Brian and his older children began in 2019 after Niko and his siblings accused their father of abandoning them emotionally and financially.
“He’s completely disowned us,” Niko said in a 2019 social media post. “It’s painful to watch him pretend we don’t exist while playing happy family elsewhere.”
At the time, Brian also said that his infant son from his new marriage to Leilani was “the true legacy” of the McKnight name.
In 2024, the Grammy Award-winning singer made headlines for openly disavowing his biological children during an Instagram rant, stating that they were “products of sin.”
Despite the estrangement, those close to the family say Niko continued to seek reconciliation. “He was hurt, but he never stopped loving his dad,” said a family friend.
Brian rose to fame for his hits “Back At One,” “6, 8, 12,” and “Home,” among others. /edv
