Brian McKnight has finally broken his silence following the tragic passing of his son, Niko McKnight, to call out his brother, Claude McKnight, and his ex-wife about announcing Niko’s death on social media.
Claude made the announcement to the world, and while he chose not to delve into the details about why Niko had been estranged from his father for years before his death, it was enough to spark a response from Brian.
“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,” Brian says in the clip.
The 90s crooner continued, “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 for communication was open and remained open until his death.”
Brian took shots at Niko’s mother, whom he referred to as “mama bear,” alleging that she did not allow Niko to accept his help, but according to the star, God knows the truth and that he, his wife and their children are glad “the suffering has come to an end.”
Cole Nikolas “Niko” McKnight passed away at 32, more than a year after revealing he was battling cancer.
