R&B singer Brian McKnight is facing renewed criticism following the death of his estranged son, Niko McKnight, who passed away at 32 after a two-year battle with cancer. Sources close to the family allege that McKnight made no attempt to reach out to Niko during his illness or in his final days.
Family Mourns Without McKnight
Niko died surrounded by his mother, Julie McKnight, his brother Brian Jr., his wife Carla, and extended family. Notably absent was his father, Brian McKnight. Julie confirmed Niko’s passing on Instagram, describing him as a “beloved husband, son, brother, and talented artist.” She also accused Brian of lying about his involvement in Niko’s care, stating, “He is a liar.”
In April 2024, Brian claimed that he and his current wife, Leilani Mendoza, had arranged medical treatment and financial support for Niko but were allegedly told to cease involvement by Julie. Brian stated, “We’re adhering to her wishes because that’s what she wanted and we’re staying out of it.”
Estrangement and Public Feuds
The relationship between Brian McKnight and his older children has been strained for years. In 2019, he referred to them as “entitled” and “products of sin.” In 2023, he legally changed his name to match that of his newborn son with Mendoza, effectively renouncing his eldest children.
Niko, who had previously worked with his father in the group MCKNIGHT, publicly addressed their fractured relationship. In a social media post, he alleged, “The guy who used to make me clean his used condoms out his bathroom at 15 before Lisa got home is calling me evil.”
Despite the estrangement, Niko expressed a desire for reconciliation. He shared, “When I was about to die in the hospital from complications from my cancer, I just wanted to bury the hatchet and hear him say he loves me.” However, he claimed Brian responded that he couldn’t “arbitrarily tell me he loves me.”