Brian McKnight Jr. Alleges Father’s Refusal to Express Love to Late Son Niko
Brian McKnight Jr. has accused his father, singer Brian McKnight, of refusing to tell his son Niko that he loved him before Niko passed away from cancer. During an interview with Marc Lamont Hill, McKnight Jr. recounted a distressing moment when his brother Niko, facing terminal illness, reached out to him in tears.
“One of the darkest moments of my life was when my brother called me, sobbing, to say I was right about advising him not to contact our father,” McKnight Jr. shared. “All my brother wanted was for our dad to say he loved him.”
According to McKnight Jr., their father responded to Niko by saying, “I can’t arbitrarily say that I love you.”
Family Issues and Name Change
In October 2023, Brian McKnight announced on Instagram that he had legally changed his name to become a senior to his newborn son, Brian Kainoa Makoa Jr., with wife Leilani Mendoza. This move sparked controversy as McKnight was already a senior to his eldest son, Brian Jr.
In a subsequent year, the 17-time Grammy nominee stated that he did not acknowledge his estranged biological children, claiming they were “products of sin.”
Controversial Statements and Family Dynamics
During a Q&A session on Instagram, McKnight justified his actions by stating, “To live a life you love, you must eliminate negativity, even if it’s family.” He responded to criticism by saying his children were raised by their mothers and not by him.
McKnight only acknowledged the children he shares with Mendoza, listing them in his Instagram bio.
Niko’s Cancer Battle and Passing
In January 2024, Niko McKnight announced his cancer diagnosis on Instagram. Brian McKnight claimed he initially offered help but stopped after Niko’s mother, Julie McKnight, allegedly insisted he cease involvement.
Niko succumbed to cancer in May. A source informed Page Six that Brian McKnight had not contacted the family following Niko’s death.
Memorial and Legal Actions
Despite not reconciling with Niko, Brian McKnight claimed he and his family held a private memorial in Maui. In October, McKnight announced on social media that he had won over $8 million in a defamation suit against Julie McKnight.
