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Brian McKnight Jr. Says Father Refused Dying Son Niko’s Plea to Hear 'I Love You'

A new interview renews scrutiny of the singer’s yearslong estrangement from his older children.

Overview

  • In a conversation with Marc Lamont Hill, Brian McKnight Jr. recounts Niko being told, "I can’t arbitrarily say that I love you," during his final days.
  • Niko, who publicly disclosed a cancer diagnosis in January 2024, died in May at age 32.
  • Outlets have sought comment from Brian McKnight, with no immediate on‑record response reported.
  • McKnight has said he tried to arrange top medical care but stopped after ex‑wife Julie intervened, while a source told Page Six he did not contact or see Niko.
  • The family rift has featured a 2023 name change to become "Sr.," Instagram remarks calling older children "products of sin," and an October post claiming an $8 million defamation win that McKnight Jr. condemned.