Brian McKnight Calls Out Brother For Announcing Son Niko’s Death

Days after the passing of son Niko McKnight, singer Brian McKnight has called out his brother and Niko’s uncle, Claude McKnight, for being the first to announce the 32-year-old’s death.

The “Anytime” singer took to Instagram Tuesday (June 3) to share his disappointment in Claude, deeming the announcement as inappropriate to come from an uncle rather than a parent. “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 instead turned into a circus, a mockery of a life now lost, making this tragedy into a reality show type drama.”

McKnight went on to say that as his brother chose to make news of the family death public, he and his wife flew to Hawaii to grieve privately. “While that was unfolding my family and I flew home to Maui and had a private memorial remembering him, and all the good times.”

Niko, born Cole Nikolas McKnight, died following an intense battle with cancer. According to Brian, he offered Niko and his mother the opportunity to see a specialist that may have been able to help, but claims his offer was declined, which he blames on Niko’s mother and his ex, Julie McKnight.

“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 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 and not allowing him to use that line of communication.”

“There is great comfort in knowing God knows the TRUTH and the totality of the WHOLE story,” he went on. “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.”

“My wife, our children and I are eternally thankful to Almighty God that the suffering has come to an end and grateful for all of your condolences. Thanks to those of you have known The truth from the beginning and haven’t let untruths, half truths or slander , prejudice your opinion.”

The “Back At One” singer has been estranged from his older children for years, previously calling them a “product of sin.” McKnight shares Brian McKnight Jr.  — who honored his brother this week — and the late Niko with Julie, and has a daughter, Briana, from a previous relationship, plus two stepchildren (Julia and Jack) and a toddler, Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Jr., from his current marriage. See McKnight’s full post about Niko below.