The drama continues within the McKnight family as Brian releases a statement targeting his brother Claude for announcing his son, Niko’s passing on social media, as well as his ex-wife Julie McKnight, referring to her as “mama bear.”
Many are shocked by Brian’s words, others simply wish the family could unite and settle their differences. This tragic event of losing Niko at such a young age should have been a time for the family to come together, but instead, it has fanned the fire of the family rift
Niko McKnight
Below is the statement released by Brian McKnight on social media.
“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.
While that was unfolding my family and I flew home to Maui and had a private memorial remembering him, and 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 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. 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 McKnight family has had a strained relationship for years. Though no one knows what started the whole fiasco, their troubled dynamics have played out on social media for some time. Numerous parties involved have spoken out about their broken family, including Brian’s kids and ex-wife, Julie.
Several disturbing statements have been made, causing Brian to lose part of his fan base, even leading to a canceled performance. Former fans of Brian said the breaking point came when he allegedly did the following:
- Referred to his elder kids, Brian Jr., Niko, Briana, and Clyde, as “evil, negative, and products of sin,” while praising his stepchildren.
- Publicly accused his daughter, Briana, of incest with a cousin, which led to a defamation lawsuit that was settled out of court.
- Had a son with his present wife in 2023 and named him Brian Jr., stating he was conceived out of love. He allegedly told his elder son, also named Brian Jr., that he could change his name.
Throughout the McKnight family turmoil, Brian has stated he is not the aggressor and has reached out several times to help and connect with his estranged family.
Niko, Briana, and Brian McKnight Jr.
So much pain, fury, and negativity have been expressed over the years, tearing the McKnight family further apart, rather than uniting them. We can only hope that one day they will sit down, settle their differences, and work towards building a renewed foundation on love and healing. Until then, sooner or later, we will see the McKnight’s on social media again putting their private disputes in the limelight.