Brian McKnight Breaks Silence on Son Niko’s Death
Brian McKnight has broken his silence following the death of his estranged son, Niko McKnight.
In a narrated video post, the 55-year-old R&B singer expressed frustration over how the news of Niko’s passing was shared online. He called out his brother, Claude McKnight, for announcing the death on TikTok, labeling the video “tasteless” and accusing him of “using Niko’s death as an opportunity.”
“It has instead turned into a circus, a mockery of a life now lost, making this tragedy into a reality show type drama,” McKnight claimed.
Niko died on May 29 at age 32 after a two-year battle with cancer. His mother, Julie McKnight, confirmed the heartbreaking news the following day, calling her son a “cherished husband, son, brother… whose warmth, laughter, and love touched the lives of all who knew him.”
McKnight’s post, which had the comments turned off, claims he and his current family “flew home to Maui and had a private memorial remembering him, and all the good times.” The “Back at One” singer also defended his past actions, stating that he and Leilani offered Niko private care and had “the number one oncologist on deck” before communication allegedly broke down.
“To the self-proclaimed ‘mama bear,’ may God have mercy on your soul for not allowing him to accept that help,” McKnight added, an apparent reference to Julie.
However, an unidentified source close to the family reportedly told Page Six that McKnight had not seen or contacted Niko in the time leading up to his death. They shared that Niko “was surrounded by an abundance of love and support from those who truly mattered,” including his mother, brother Brian McKnight Jr., wife Carla, and extended family.
McKnight’s relationship with his older children, including Niko, has been publicly strained for years. In 2019, he infamously referred to them as “entitled,” and in 2023, he said he doesn’t claim them because they are “the product of sin.” Niko later responded on social media, accusing his father of hypocrisy and cruelty.
Despite the history, McKnight insists he’s found peace: “There is great comfort in knowing God knows the TRUTH and the totality of the WHOLE story... I have a clear conscience.”
He ended the post by quoting scripture: “2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God… the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.”
