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Brian McKnight Blasts Family’s Handling of Late Son Niko’s Death

He denounces Claude’s TikTok announcement as a spectacle that disrespected his son’s memory.

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Screenshots from Instagram
Brian McKnight, left; Claude McKnight. Photo: Instagram/Brian McKnight, TikTok/Claude McKnight
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Overview

  • Brian McKnight issued a statement on June 3 criticizing his brother Claude and ex-wife Julie for publicizing Niko’s passing.
  • He described Claude’s announcement on TikTok as “tasteless” and accused his family of turning the tragedy into a circus.
  • McKnight said he and his family held a private memorial in Maui and offered Niko top oncological care, which he and his mother declined.
  • Claude and Julie publicly confirmed Niko’s death on May 30 after his two-year battle with cancer at age 32.
  • The singer’s remarks underscore a long-standing estrangement from his eldest children following his 2024 comments labeling them “products of sin.”