R&B singer Brian McKnight has filed a lawsuit against his ex-wife and one of his sons, accusing them of spreading false and damaging claims about his relationship with his late son.
According to court documents filed in Georgia on April 21, the Grammy-nominated artist alleges that his ex-wife, Julie McKnight, and their son, Brian McKnight Jr., helped promote a “malicious character assassination” campaign that harmed his reputation and career.
At the center of the lawsuit are allegations that McKnight refused to tell his estranged son, Niko McKnight, that he loved him before his death. Niko died in May 2025 at age 32 following a battle with cancer.
McKnight denies the claims, calling them part of a “sensational but false narrative” that portrays him as an absent and uncaring father. He argues that the statements were amplified through media appearances and interviews, causing emotional distress and financial harm.
The lawsuit also names media personalities Marc Lamont Hill and Tasha K, as well as the New York Post, alleging they contributed to the spread and monetization of the claims.
In his filing, McKnight contends that his ex-wife prevented him from contacting Niko during his illness and later violated a prior agreement by making derogatory public statements. He is seeking unspecified damages, citing defamation, emotional distress, and breach of contract.
The controversy stems in part from remarks made in late 2025 interviews, in which family members described McKnight’s alleged behavior during Niko’s final days. Those claims, according to the singer, were misleading and intentionally designed to damage his public image.
McKnight, a veteran artist known for hits like “Back at One,” has not publicly commented beyond the lawsuit. The case is ongoing, and no court date has been announced.
