Brian McKnight is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who has been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. He is known for his smooth vocals and romantic ballads, such as “Back at One” and “One Last Cry.” However, in recent years, McKnight has made headlines for his controversial social media posts and his strained relationship with his older children.
Brain McKnight’s Recent Instagram Post
Yesterday, McKnight posted a photo of his newly released album cover with his sons face on the cover. In the caption, he revealed that he had changed his name to Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr. so that their son, Brian Kainoa Makoa Jr., could bear his name.
“to the world with the release of my new album lovingly created for him.
JR. because I am also proud to officially announce that I have legally changed my name to exactly match my legacy’s.
My legal name is now
BRIAN KAINOA MAKOA MCKNIGHT SR.”
McKnight’s post sparked controversy on social media, with many people criticizing him for seemingly disowning his biological children from previous relationships. McKnight has four biological children: Brian Jr., Briana, Niko, and Clyde.
One user wrote:
“Family first huh?”
Another wrote:
Brian McKnight Jr. responded to his father’s announcement:
Brian McKnight’s Past Social Media Posts About His Children
McKnight has a history of speaking ill of his biological children on social media. In 2020, he posted an Instagram post saying he was happy for his stepdaughter making him a girl dad.
“Jules I became a girl dad because of YOU and I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter,” McKnight wrote on the caption. “Visiting you on campus and seeing how happy you are living in this beach house with all your friends for your senior year reminded us both of how proud we are of the woman you have become and the incredible student you continue to be. Here’s to you Jules, the perfect daughter I always wanted.”
McKnight’s remarks were met with outrage from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Social media users noticed that McKnight often praises his stepchildren in Instagram posts while not acknowledging his biological children in any posts.
It has also been pointed out how McKnight’s Instagram bio says he’s the father of Julia, Jack, Kekoa Matteo, and Brian Kainoa Makoa. The bio blatantly disregards his four biological children.
Many people accused him of being a bad father and of using his platform to bully his own children.
McKnight and his four biological children have been estranged for years. In 2019, he addressed him and his children’s distant relationship in a video.
“I’ve never missed a day of child support,” he said in the video. “I’ve never done anything adverse to my children whatsoever. I’ve always been there. I’ve always been there with advice, whether they took it or not. I have always been the sounding board and I’ve always been the one who had to help them achieve whatever dreams that they were wanting to reach out for.”
McKnight’s Strained Relationship With His Children
McKnight’s relationship with his biological children has been strained for many years. In 2018, Brian Jr. and Briana filed a lawsuit against their father, alleging that he had abandoned them and failed to provide financial support.
The lawsuit was settled out of court in 2020, but it further damaged McKnight’s relationship with his children.
McKnight was married to songwriter Julie McKnight from 1990 to 2003. From that union Brian and Niko were born. He had Briana with his former partner, Patricia Driver.
was previously married to songwriter Julie McKnight between 1990 to 2003. Brian and Niko came from that union while he had Briana with his former partner, Patricia Driver. Clyde’s mother’s identity is unknown.
McKnight and Leilani Mendoza married in 2017.