Brian McKnight’s son Niko McKnight has died at 32 after a two-year cancer battle, with his uncle Claude McKnight confirming the news in a TikTok tribute.
Brian McKnight has lost his son Niko McKnight, who died at age 32 following a two-year fight with cancer, according to a heartfelt video shared by Niko’s uncle on TikTok.
Claude McKnight, Niko’s uncle and founding member of the vocal group Take 6, confirmed the news in an emotional message.
“I’m not going off the script or anything like that. I’m just gonna be raw with how I’m feeling,” he said.
“Niko was one of those amazing kids who was quirky and curious and ridiculously talented,” Claude said. “Amazing singer, an amazing guitar player, had a great eye as a photographer. He was one of those kids that, at least in my estimation, was somebody you always wanted to be around. And so it really sucks that he’s no longer with us.”
@claudemcknight I’m devastated at my nephews passing. If you comment please do do in love, and NOT at what you may have heard about the relationship my brother had/has with his kids. Thank you 🙏🏾 #nephew #cancersucks #rip #love #family
Claude added that he wanted the focus to remain on Niko’s life rather than the long-standing tension within the family.
“I wanted to post this about Niko, about his legacy, about how amazing he is – and not about what some of you may have heard about, you know, the family drama that has existed for quite some time in our family.”
Niko was the son of Brian McKnight and his ex-wife, Julie McKnight.
The former couple also share sons Brian Jr. and Clyde and daughter Briana.
The Grammy-nominated singer has not commented publicly on Niko’s passing. The two had reportedly been estranged for several years.
In January 2024, Niko revealed his cancer diagnosis. Three months later, Brian posted a video on Instagram referring to his four older children as a “product of sin.”
Brian has remained silent on social media regarding his son’s death, but his followers on social media are being anything but quiet.
A lot of non-Black people’s complaints about Sinners are just anti-Blackness they’re trying to hide in plain sight. The criticisms don’t even end up making any sense.
— Brian McKnight hate account (@foreverimbetter) June 1, 2025
Tbh, brian mcknight should be stoned. And im not being dramatic
— Taurus Groove (@jiggyjayy2) June 1, 2025
Just came here to say: Brian McKnight can burn in hell.
— Lucy ✨️ (@yourstruly_lucy) June 1, 2025
Brian Mcknight will pay for his sins one day. His child passed away after battling cancer and he not once reached out but parading on social media like father of the year.
— 1123♐️ (@QueenTats_) June 1, 2025
Trust and believe, Brian McKnight gon see it again on this side and the next. He gon get all of it back 🙂↕️
— Je(nelle) (@JenelleWrites) June 1, 2025
I hope people spit on Brian McKnight when they see him! He deserves it
— ᔕᗩᗪIE ™️ (@sadieee_xoxo) June 1, 2025
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