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Brian McKnight Claims $8.8 Million Defamation Win Against Ex-Wife as Court Confirmation Remains Pending

Public records show an entry of default in Wake County but no posted order specifying damages.

Overview

  • The singer announced the purported award in an Oct. 16 Instagram video filmed in the English countryside and played a voicemail he said was from Julie McKnight.
  • Court and media reports indicate a default was entered last month, with a motion for default judgment awaiting judicial sign-off and no dollar figure reflected on the public docket.
  • According to court filings, the lawsuit challenges statements in Julie McKnight’s book alleging emotional abuse and neglect, which Brian McKnight disputes as false and defamatory.
  • Brian McKnight Jr. criticized his father’s celebratory post, noting it coincided with late brother Niko’s birthday; Niko died in May after a two-year battle with cancer.
  • Some outlets report McKnight is pursuing additional defamation actions, though no further related orders appear in publicly accessible records.