Brian McKnight Slams Ex-Wife & Brother Over Son Niko’s Death

June 04, 2025

Brian McKnight accused his ex-wife Julie of blocking cancer treatment for their son Niko and denied claims he ignored him before his death.

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Brian McKnight lashed out at his ex-wife and brother Tuesday (June 3) in a tense Instagram post, denying accusations that he abandoned his 32-year-old son Niko before his death from cancer and accusing others of turning the tragedy into public spectacle.

“A big big thanks to Claude McKnight’s tasteless and self aggrandizing announcement on TikTok, that frankly was not his to make, in my opinion, he inserted himself and used Niko’s death as an opportunity, instead of letting him pass with respect and dignity,” McKnight wrote. “It has instead turned into a circus, a mockery of a life now lost, making this tragedy into a reality show type drama.”

The post followed days of criticism aimed at the R&B singer, who remained silent after Niko’s passing. McKnight addressed claims that he made “no effort” to reach out to his son during his illness.

“The last time he and I spoke, we offered him all the help we could provide, we had the number one oncologist on deck for him and a team of specialists on standby with private care in our home,” he wrote. “He and his mother declined. The door of communication was open and remained open until his death.”

McKnight then turned his attention to Niko’s mother, Julie McKnight, blaming her for allegedly preventing their son from accepting medical support.

“To the self proclaimed ‘mama bear,’ may God have mercy on your soul for not allowing him to accept that help and not allowing him to use that line of communication,” he said.

The Grammy-nominated artist ended his message by defending his conscience and faith.

“There is great comfort in knowing God knows the TRUTH and the totality of the WHOLE story,” he wrote. “I am truly thankful for the immense peace God has given me. I’ve left everything in HIS hands. I, have a clear conscience. The only judgement that matters is God’s.”

McKnight’s remarks follow growing backlash over his strained relationship with his older children. In past interviews, he referred to them as “products of sin” and said, “In order to live a life that you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity — even if that evil and negativity is related [to you].”

Niko reportedly died surrounded by his mother, brother Brian McKnight Jr., wife Carla and other relatives. His father was not present.

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