Brian McKnight | Source: Getty Images

Inside Brian McKnight's Family: Kids, Estrangement, and His Former Marriage

Dec 17, 2025

11:31 A.M.

Long before a single post ignited backlash, there were years of distance — missed birthdays, unanswered calls, and relationships that quietly slipped away. In the singer-songwriter's family, those absences compounded over time, shaping bonds later tested by illness, grief, and words spoken too late — or not at all.

The comments, made during an Instagram Q&A by the Grammy-nominated R&B singer Brian McKnight and later reinforced in a video, pulled long-simmering family fractures into full public view. Those comments expose years of estrangement, legal disputes, and profoundly personal grief that continue to shape his family story.

Brian McKnight performs at OVO Arena Wembley in London, England on April 20, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

In 2024, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer ignited widespread backlash after publicly declaring that he no longer claims his estranged biological children, calling them a "product of sin" and "pure evil."

Brian McKnight with then-wife and sons at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on January 17, 2000. | Source: Getty Images

"I wanna big up my man right here. He gets it," Brian, 54, said in an Instagram video while pointing to a supportive fan comment. "In order to live a life that you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity — even if that evil and negativity is related [to you]."

Arrival of Brian McKnight with his family at the 27th American Music Awards in Los Angeles in 2000. | Source: Getty Images

The remarks focused on Brian's four oldest biological children: Brian Jr., Niko, Briana, and Clyde McKnight. The comments sparked swift reactions from his son, Niko, and his ex-wife, Julie McKnight.

Brian, Julie, and their sons Nikko and Brian McKnight, Jr. attend "The Grinch" Universal City Premiere in California on November 8, 2000. | Source: Getty Images

An old picture of Brian and Julie McKnight holding their son Clyde, from a post dated September 22, 2021. | Source: Instagram/clydemcknight

Why Brian Disowned His Oldest Children

During the same Instagram exchange, Brian responded to a critic who accused him of acting "against God." According to Page Six, the singer replied, "1. God wasn't talking about children that are the product of sin which these are 2. I didn't raise them their mothers did 3. Know the whole story before quoting the Bible 4. Take your inaccurate negativity off my page and try being happy."

A photo of Brian McKnight Jr., having a hair cut, from a post dated November 6, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknightjr

A photo of Brian McKnight taking a selfie, from a post dated November 6, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknightjr

The comments marked one of the most explicit public rejections Brian has made of his older children and reopened scrutiny of his past marriage and parenting.

An old photo of Julie, Brian Jr., and Niko McKnight, from a post dated September 9, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknightjr

Julie and a Marriage That Ended in Conflict

Brian was first married to Julie from 1990 to 2003. The couple shares two sons, Brian Jr. and Niko. Niko later died from colon cancer. In a November 20, 2025, interview Brian said repeated separations marked the marriage and that love was never part of its foundation.

"I was never in love with their mother. I wasn't. They weren't made from love to begin with," he said. Julie has accused Brian of being abusive and neglectful during the marriage — allegations he has denied.

A photo of young Niko and Brian McKnight Jr., from a post dated September 28, 2025. | Source: Instagram/itsjuliemcknight

A close-up, slightly grainy selfie of the McKnight brothers, Niko and Brian Jr., pressed close to the camera, from a post dated September 28, 2025. | Source: Instagram/itsjuliemcknight

A black-and-white photo of Niko and Brian McKnight Jr., standing side by side, from a post dated September 28, 2025. | Source: Instagram/itsjuliemcknight

Brian Jr. and His Own Family

Brian Jr. followed in his father's footsteps into music and is now a singer in his own right. He is also a father himself. In a 2024 Instagram post celebrating one of his children's milestones, he wrote, "My heir is 10. 🤯🥹🖤🙏🏾."

Brian McKnight Jr, takes a selfie in a black suit, from a post dated November 6, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknightjr

Brian McKnight in a white vest, from a post dated November 6, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknightjr

Brian Jr. has been among the most vocal siblings in addressing their father's estrangement, particularly as it relates to Niko's illness and death.

A a shirtless Brian McKnight Jr., takes a mirror selfie with a dark-colored smartphone, from a post dated November 6, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknightjr

Niko: Career, Cancer, and a Final Estrangement

Before his death, Niko worked as a photographer based in North Hollywood, California. He had spent more than seven years shooting professionally and was employed at a creative agency in Burbank.

The McKnight brothers pose together on a red carpet in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop reading "CINEVITA" and "FOR THE RECORD," from a post dated September 28, 2025. | Source: Instagram/itsjuliemcknight

After Brian's "product of sin" remarks went public, Niko responded bluntly. "We saved that man from federal prison. That's all I'm going to say," he told Page Six.

An indoor, casual home setting, Niko and Brian McKnight stand near a dining or living area, from a post dated September 28, 2025. | Source: Instagram/itsjuliemcknight

"But after all of this, I still love him so much because I know there's my dad in there somewhere. But he's a drone now. So [expletive] sad. Miss you, Dad," Niko added.

An older, brightly lit photo showing Julie, Niko, and Brian McKnight Jr., standing in front of what appears to be a bus or large vehicle, from a post dated September 28, 2025. | Source: Instagram/itsjuliemcknight

On social media, Niko went further, alleging mistreatment during his teen years and accusing his father of dishonesty, according to reporting by Daily Mail.

Niko McKnight sits outdoors at a relaxed, open-air setting, from a post dated July 9, 2024. | Source: Instagram/fiftyclicks

In June 2025, Page Six reported that Brian did not contact Niko before the 32-year-old died from cancer. "He did not contact or see Niko," a source said, adding that Niko was surrounded by love from his mother, siblings, wife Carla, and extended family.

Niko McKnight has his eyes closed and head slightly tilted back, from a post dated July 9, 2024. | Source: Instagram/fiftyclicks

During Niko's Final Days

In an interview with Marc Lamont Hill, Brian Jr. revealed that their father refused to tell Niko he loved him during his final days. "My father responds to my brother that, 'I can't arbitrarily say that I love you,'" Brian Jr. said, according to a clip shared on X.

Niko McKnight in a black hoodie with writings across the chest, from a post dated May 17, 2021. | Source: Instagram/fiftyclicks

Julie later reacted with heartbreak. "There is nothing more heartbreaking than hearing your child say that all they want is to simply hear his father say" those three words, she told Page Six.

Niko McKnight stands indoors wearing an orange knit beanie and a black hoodie with the word “ASTROWORLD” printed across the chest in colorful lettering, from a post dated September 15, 2018. | Source: Instagram/fiftyclicks

Niko McKnight and his wife, from a post dated January 1, 2019. | Source: Instagram/fiftyclicks

Briana and a Lawsuit That Exposed Deeper Wounds

Briana McKnight, Brian's daughter with Patricia Driver, was born while he was still married to Julie.

Brianna McKnight, from a post dated December 4, 2025. | Source: TikTok/brimcknighttt

Brianna McKnight faces the mirror with both hands raised near her jawline, from a post dated December 4, 2025. | Source: TikTok/brimcknighttt

Brianna McKnight lifts both hands to her hair, pushing it back from her face while looking toward the mirror, from a post dated December 4, 2025. | Source: TikTok/brimcknighttt

In 2020, Briana sued her father for defamation after he claimed online that she engaged in inappropriate behavior as a minor. The lawsuit was later dismissed, according to The Jasmine Brand.

A close-up of Brianna McKnight, with long, light-blonde hair leaning slightly toward the camera, from a post dated August 24, 2020. | Source: TikTok/brimcknighttt

Brianna McKnight smiling with her eyes closed, from a post dated August 24, 2020. | Source: TikTok/brimcknighttt

In a separate statement shared on social media and reported by 106.3 The Groove, Briana described growing up with an absent father and said he had not wished her a happy birthday in years.

Brianna McKnight stands in a bathroom holding a clear plastic cup with an orange-colored drink in one hand and sunglasses in the other, from a post dated February 8, 2025. | Source: TikTok/brimcknighttt

Brianna McKnight lowers the drink and smiles mid-sentence, one hand resting across her stomach, from a post dated February 8, 2025. | Source: TikTok/brimcknighttt

Turning slightly to the side, Brianna McKnight gestures with one hand while looking back toward the camera, from a post dated February 8, 2025. | Source: TikTok/brimcknighttt

"My father hasn't called to wish me a 'happy birthday' in years, and yet I sit by the phone every single year hoping that one day his heart will change," she stated.

Brianna McKnight stands in a bathroom holding a lip gloss bottle, from a post dated August 30, 2025. | Source: TikTok/brimcknighttt

Brianna McKnight tilts her head to the side and puckers her lips playfully, from a post dated August 30, 2025. | Source: TikTok/brimcknighttt

"I'm so fortunate that I have two brothers who are father figures to me. Who celebrate me and love me every single day, and that we make up the time that we lost. The anger and the sadness that I hold in my heart every day over this is sickening," she added.

Clyde and a New Music Path and A New Family Chapter for Brian

Clyde, Brian's youngest son from his earlier relationships, has launched a music career and is signed with IMG Models and WME. He has also shared birthday tributes celebrating his identity as Brian's son.

Julie sits at the center holding Clyde on her lap, while Niko and Brian McKnight, sit by her side, from a post dated September 28, 2025. | Source: Instagram/itsjuliemcknight

Clyde McKnight, from a post dated March 30, 2020. | Source: Instagram/clydemcknight

Clyde McKnight steps out for an event, from a post dated March 1, 2024. | Source: Instagram/clydemcknight

Brian is now married to Leilani McPhee and has embraced a fatherly role to her children, including Julia McPhee and Jack McPhee, often praising them publicly for their achievements.

Leilani McPhee, Brian McKnight's new wife, from a post dated November 30, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

Brian McKnight kisses the head of his son, baby Brian, from a post dated February 1, 2023. | Sources: Instagram/brianmcknight23

Brian McKnight's new family, Leilani, Julia and Jack McPhee and his new baby, baby Brian, from a post dated November 30, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

A photo of Brian McKnight and Leilani McPhee and a much younger Julia and Jack, from a post dated December 26, 2020. | Source: Instagram/leilani_211

The McKnights pose and laugh together, from a post dated November 27, 2020. | Source: Instagram/leilani_211

Brian McKnight, Leilani McPhee and their children Julia and Jack, from a post dated July 14, 2019. | Source: Instagram/leilani_211

"My smile says it all 😃😃 I'm beaming with so much pride and love for you," Brian wrote in a post celebrating Julia's college graduation.

Brian McKnight celebrates Julia McPhee's graduation ceremony with her, from a post dated June 19, 2021. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

Julia McPhee is on the beach, from a post dated May 24, 2025. | Source: Instagram/jules_mcphee

New Details Emerge in Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Legal Battle

Famous Fighter Says He Has Seen His Own Death and Met Jesus

Tina Turner's Son Ike Turner Jr. Dies One Day After 67th Birthday

Brian McKnight and his wife Leilani McPhee are with their daughter Julia McPhee on a cruise, from a post dated October 5, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

In a post, Brian wrote to Jack, "My son Jackboy, today you are no longer a teenager, you are 20, 😃Do not look at this as getting older, this is a gift, the pathway that’s leading you to be the perfect man that your mom and I have raised you to be." He added, "I say perfect, because you are perfect and I could not have asked for a better legacy, father to son, than you."

Brian McKnight and his son Jack McPhee, from a post dated September 6, 2022. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

Brian McKnight and his son Jack McPhee smile at the camera, from a post dated September 6, 2022. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

Loss, Legacy, and a New Namesake

Brian and Leilani also experienced the loss of their son, Kekoa Matteo McKnight, who was stillborn.

The McKnight's photo before Kekoa's due date, from a post dated May 8, 2022. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

In 2023, Brian announced the birth of another son, Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Jr., and revealed that he had legally changed his name to match his child's.

Brian McKnight and Leilani McPhee cuddle their son, baby Brian, from a post dated June 19, 2023. | Source: Instagram/leilani_211

"My legal name is now BRIAN KAINOA MAKOA MCKNIGHT SR.," he wrote.

Brian McKnight's new family, from a post dated February 28, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

Brian McKnight and his new family appear in a collage showing him playing a keyboard indoors and walking hand in hand together in front of the Eiffel Tower, from a post dated February 22, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

Brian McKnight and his wife celebrate their son's birthday, from a post dated January 2, 2025. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

Brian McKnight and his family in a black-and-white photo, from a post dated June 16, 2024. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

Brian McKnight and his new family on a beach, from a post dated May 12, 2024. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

The McKnights in their Christmas pajamas, from a post dated December 27, 2023. | Source: Instagram/brianmcknight23

Brian McKnight, Leilani, Julia and Jack McPhee take a baby announcement photo, from a post dated November 10, 2022. | Source: Instagram/leilani_211

As Brian continues to celebrate his younger children publicly, the unresolved estrangement with his older ones, and the words spoken during moments of illness and loss, remain a defining and harrowing part of his family story.

The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider.