Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 5, 2025 · Entertainment

Brian McKnight's Public Outcry: Family Feud and Tragedy Following Niko’s Death

Brian McKnight has broken his silence days after his estranged son Niko McKnight's tragic death at age 32; Brian pictured in 2018

BRIAN McKNIGHT'S FAMILY DRAMA ERUPTS AGAIN: Singer Lashes Out at Brother Claude and Accuses Him of Making a 'Mockery' of His Late Son Niko's Passing

The music world is reeling in shock as R&B singer Brian McKnight breaks his silence about the tragic death of his estranged son Niko, who passed away at just 32 after a two-year battle with cancer. But instead of offering condolences to his family, Brian has lashed out at his brother Claude, accusing him of making a "mockery" of Niko's passing.

In a scathing Instagram post, Brian slammed Claude for publicly confirming Niko's death on TikTok just days ago. Claude had shared a heartfelt video about his nephew's passing, but Brian accused him of using the opportunity to "aggrandize himself."

Last Thursday, Brian's brother Claude McKnight publicly confirmed via social media that Niko had died on May 29 following a two-year cancer battle; Niko pictured

"A big big thanks to Claude McKnight's tasteless and self-aggrandizing announcement on TikTok, that frankly was not his to make," Brian wrote. "He inserted himself and used Niko's death as an opportunity, instead of letting him pass with respect and dignity. It has instead turned into a circus, a mockery of a life now lost, making this tragedy into a spectacle."

But what really sets off Brian is his son Niko's dying wish, which he shared on social media just months before his passing. Niko had begged his father to tell him that he loved him one last time, but Brian refused.

"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," Niko wrote at the time. "He told me he couldn't arbitrarily tell me he loves me. Still cuts so deep."

While speaking of his late nephew, Claude (pictured) asked that fans refrain from discussing Niko's relationship with his dad Brian or any 'family drama'

Brian's Instagram post has left many fans stunned and wondering what really went down between the singer and his son.

"Wow, Brian is really showing his true colors here," one fan commented on Instagram. "He's more interested in defending himself than mourning the loss of his own son."

But it's not just Claude that Brian has been at odds with over the years. His relationship with his ex-wife Julie McKnight and their children has been a subject of much speculation and drama.

But in a statement published to Instagram on Tuesday, Brian lashed out at Claude's 'tasteless' announcement as he addressed Niko's death for the first time. He accused Claude of making a 'mockery' of Niko's passing by speaking out

Julie, who was married to Brian from 1990 to 2003, accused her ex-husband of being emotionally abusive during their marriage. She also claimed that he had forged signatures on documents related to their children's education.

Their son Niko even weighed in on the situation on social media, calling out his father for his behavior. "I'm evil," Niko posted at the time. "That's wild: The guy who used to make me clean his used condoms out his bathroom at 15 before Lisa got home is calling me evil Fashoooooo."

The drama doesn't stop there, folks! Brian also has a complicated relationship with his older children from his first marriage to Julie. He has been accused of being distant and uninvolved in their lives, which led to some public feuds between him and his children.

His daughter Briana even spoke out about the situation on Instagram, accusing her father of being "emotionally abusive" during their childhood.

But despite all the drama, Brian seems more interested in focusing on his new family with his wife Leilani. The couple has two young sons together, Jack and Kekoa Matteo (who sadly passed away at birth), and Brian has been documenting their life on social media.

However, it's clear that Brian still has some unfinished business to attend to - particularly when it comes to his relationship with his older children.

A Timeline of the Drama:

  • 2023: Niko passes away after a two-year battle with cancer
  • 2024: Claude publicly confirms Niko's passing on TikTok, sparking a heated argument between Brian and Claude on Instagram
  • 2024: Niko shares his dying wish on social media, begging his father to tell him that he loves him one last time
  • 2023: Brian changes his name to match his son Kekoa's, sparking controversy among fans
  • 2017: Brian marries Leilani and becomes stepfather to her two children from a previous relationship
  • 2003: Brian divorces Julie McKnight after 13 years of marriage

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!