Brian McKnight has taken to social media to blast his brother, Claude McKnight, for publicly announcing the passing of his son, Niko McKnight, on TikTok.
Related: Brian McKnight’s Estranged Son, Niko McKnight, Passes Away After Battle With Cancer
Niko, the son of Brian and Julie McKnight, passed away after a brave and private battle with cancer.
While many fans hoped his passing would be met with grace and healing, the moment quickly turned messy—especially after Brian posted a video slamming both his brother and Niko’s grieving mother.
Sadly, Brian and Niko’s relationship was estranged.
In fact, the R&B singer previously referred to Niko and his siblings, Brian Jr. and Briana, as “products of sin.”
Related: Brian McKnight Jr. Honors Late Brother Niko McKnight With Emotional Tribute
But now that Niko has transitioned to his heavenly home, Brian McKnight is sharing his side of the story—claiming he offered his son top-notch care and the best oncologists, only to be rejected by Niko’s mother.
In a video seemingly filmed during a private memorial with his “new” family, Brian said:
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, it has turned into a circus—a mockery of a life now lost—making this tragedy into a reality show-type drama.
While that was unfolding, my family and I flew home to Maui and had a private memorial, remembering him in all the good times.
The last time he and I spoke, we offered him all the help we could provide.
We had the number one oncologist on deck and a team of specialists on standby for private care in our home.
He and his mother declined. The door of communication was open and remained open until his death.
To the self-proclaimed ‘mama bear,’ may God have mercy on your soul for not allowing him to accept that help or use that line of communication.
There is great comfort in knowing God knows the truth and the totality of the whole story.
I’m truly thankful for the immense peace God has given me. I’ve left everything in His hands.
I have a clear conscience. The only judgment that matters is God’s.
My wife, our children, and I are eternally thankful to Almighty God that the suffering has come to an end.
And we’re grateful for all of your condolences.
Brian also captioned the post with a nearly identical message calling out Claude McKnight and expressing gratitude to those who “knew the truth” from the beginning.
“Thanks to those of you who have known the truth from the beginning and haven’t let untruths, half-truths, or slander prejudice your opinion.”
He ended the caption with a Bible verse:
2 Corinthians 1:3 – Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
You can see Brian McKnight’s video below.
The post arrives amid reports that Brian allegedly made no efforts to reach out or reconcile with Niko before his passing—despite now claiming he left the door of communication open.
And to be honest, Brian has long served as the ringmaster of the McKnight family drama.
At least he had the good sense to turn off the comments before the dragging began.
Update (June 6): Brian McKnight Jr. enters the chat with the following post on his Instagram Story:
Rest in paradise, Niko McKnight.
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