In a recent Instagram post, R&B singer Brian McKnight criticized his brother, Claude McKnight, for publicly announcing the death of Brian’s estranged son, Niko McKnight, without the family’s consent. Niko passed away at 32 after a two-year battle with cancer.
McKnight’s Response to Public Announcement
Brian McKnight expressed his disapproval of Claude’s decision to share the news on social media. He described Claude’s actions as “tasteless and self-aggrandizing,” accusing him of turning a private tragedy into a public spectacle. Brian emphasized that he and his current family had held a private memorial for Niko in Maui, choosing to grieve away from the public eye.
In his statement, Brian also addressed his ex-wife, Julie McKnight, Niko’s mother. He claimed that he had offered top-tier medical care for Niko, which was allegedly declined by Julie. Brian stated, “We did everything we could to help, but our efforts were rejected.”
Claude McKnight’s Tribute and Family Tensions
Claude McKnight had previously shared a tribute to Niko on TikTok, praising his nephew’s talents and expressing sorrow over his passing. While he acknowledged the family’s complicated dynamics, Claude refrained from delving into specific details, focusing instead on honoring Niko’s memory.
The McKnight family has faced longstanding tensions. Brian has been estranged from his four oldest children, including Niko, for several years. In past statements, Brian referred to his older children as a “product of sin,” remarks that Niko publicly criticized. Niko had also made allegations against his father, accusing him of past misconduct.