Brian McKnight faces challenges with his older children.
The singer has been distant from his oldest kids for several years while actively involved in parenting a young son and two stepchildren with his wife, Leilani McKnight.
In April 2024, after receiving criticism on social media for allegedly “disowning” some of his family, Brian described them as a “product of sin.”
Brian responded to an Instagram critic, stating they didn’t “know the full story” and should “take [their] inaccurate negativity” elsewhere.
In a Q&A session, he explained, “To live a life you love, you must remove evil and negativity — even if it’s related to you.”
Page Six explores McKnight’s complex family dynamics below.
Brian McKnight Jr.
Brian was married to Julie McKnight from 1990 to 2003, sharing two sons, Brian Jr. and Niko.
Brian Jr. is a musician and released “The Collection” in 2023.
He shares tributes to his children, Brian III, Ember, and Lyla, on social media.
In April 2024, Brian Jr. reflected on ten years of parenthood, expressing his feelings on Instagram.
Niko McKnight
Niko, a Los Angeles photographer, has clashed with his father online.
He accused Brian of “abandoning” him and his siblings in 2019 and later criticized Brian’s “product of sin” comment.
“The person who made me clean up after him at 15 is calling me evil,” Niko commented in April 2024. “The person who forged our signatures is evil.”
Niko tweeted about his father, expressing love despite their issues.
He revealed his cancer diagnosis earlier that year and passed away in May 2025.
Brian Jr. claimed in December 2025 that their father refused to tell Niko he loved him before his death, which Julie described as “heartbreaking.”
Briana McKnight
Briana, daughter of Brian and Patricia Driver, was rarely seen on his social media before their estrangement.
She sued her father for defamation in 2020.
When the lawsuit was settled, Brian shared court documents in 2023 showing he agreed to pay Briana over $250,000.
He stated on YouTube that reconciliation was a “dead issue.”
Clyde McKnight
Brian reportedly has another son, Clyde, from a previous relationship.
Clyde shared a baby photo with Brian in September 2021 and is pursuing a music career.
Julia McPhee
Brian became a stepfather in December 2017 after marrying Leilani and expressed gratitude for her daughter, Julia.
Julia graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara.
Jack McPhee
Leilani’s son Jack graduated high school in 2021.
Brian referred to Jack as his “legacy” and praised him on Instagram.
Jack and Julia’s names appear in Brian’s Instagram bio.
Kekoa McKnight
Leilani and Brian suffered a pregnancy loss in May 2022, naming the child Kekoa.
Leilani honored Kekoa in an Instagram tribute, with Brian expressing support.
Brian Kainoa Makoa Jr.
The couple welcomed a rainbow baby in January 2023, naming him Brian Jr.
Brian changed his name to match his newborn’s.
Brian Jr. responded on X, expressing pride in his name and criticizing his father’s actions.
