Julie McKnight Honors Late Son Niko Amid Public Feud With Brian McKnight

Julie McKnight is using social media to honor Niko McKnight as “more than an estranged son.” The 32-year-old died following a two-year battle with cancer. His father’s brother, Claude McKnight, was the first family member to confirm the news via TikTok on May 29. Statements from Niko’s brother, Brian Jr., and his mother followed. This week, Brian McKnight finally broke his silence on his son’s death, but the social media tribute also threw shade at Claude and Julie. On Wednesday (June 4), the mother shared a few posts praising her son’s other titles: brother, husband, uncle, and cousin.

It all started when on Friday, May 30, Brian’s brother Claude revealed the news in a TikTok, where he spoke to Niko’s legacy — and addressed the “family drama.”

Julie McKnight Shares Heartfelt Content About Niko

As mentioned, Julie hopped on Instagram with “Mama Bear” energy on Wednesday. Her honorary posts came just one day after Brian McKnight used the title to try to shade the mother. She shared a series of timed-out posts on Instagram Stories, which showed the photos and statement she included in her feed post. Her statement started with “He is more…than an estranged son…than a sensational headline.” It continued:

“He is the purest, sweetest human we’ve been blessed to have. He is a loving husband…caring and playful uncle…the other half to his brother and a fierce protector of his two sisters…a friend and mention to many…a talented photographer an gifted musician…a son that I was gifted that I will forever be proud of. His legacy of kindness, laughter, genrousity and strength will love on. That’s MY boy and I couldn’t be prouder #Mook MamaBear”

In a few other posts on her timeline, Julie shared throwback photos of Niko McKnight, joyful in his roles as brother, husband, uncle, and cousin. Brian McKnight Jr. was featured in a lot of the sweet images.

Jr. broke his silence about his brother’s passing soon after his uncle Claude McKnight, and the mother also released a statement on May 30. That statement confirmed the passing of her and Brian’s son, Cole Nikolas McKnight, and called his death “an immeasurable loss” to the family.

“Julie McKnight has asked for privacy and continued prayers as the family navigates this incredibly difficult time. Mama Bear and the entire family appreciate the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the public,” it added.

Brian McKnight Shaded Julie McKnight

Days after other family members spoke out, Brian McKnight broke his silence on Niko’s death with a faceless Instagram post. He shared footage of the beach from a Maui vacation he took with his wife Leilani and their family. In the post, he included a photo of a lei and a Hennessy bottle placed next to Niko’s name in the sand. His caption reflected the voiceover, which began by blasting his brother. Brian called Claude’s TikTok video about Niko’s passing “tasteless and self-aggrandizing.” 

The singer also didn’t spare his ex-wife Julie McKnight, asserting that she stood in the way of top-notch medical help he allegedly offered Niko. He also said he had maintained the “door of communication” open to his son until his passing.

“[Niko] and his mother declined. The door of communication was open and remained open until his death. To the self-proclaimed “mama bear” may God have mercy on your soul for not allowing him to accept that help and not allowing him to use that line of communication,” Brian wrote in his tribute post.

In recent years, Niko has blasted his father online after Brian implied his elder biological children were “products of sin” and “evil,” in comparison to his biological son and stepchildren with Leilani.

Mama Bear Shares Warning Post About Colon Cancer

Despite Brian McKnight’s direct call-out, Julie has seemingly swerved, directly clapping back at him. Aside from sharing memories of Niko, the mother shed light on the disease that affected him. On June 5, she shared a post about rising colon cancer rates in young people. Her caption encouraged folks to listen to their bodies. Her heartfelt caption pleaded with young people to take their health seriously.

“Yes, you will be told that you are too young for a colonoscopy. Get one anyway. Do not miss your annual physicals. Get those labs done and know your numbers. More than anything. Listen. To. Your. Body. When we’re young and we feel that our future will carry on just as we planned we tend to write things off as just being tired or a little “bug”. Be intentional with your health. I know that healthcare is a challenge, especially now, but if possible, set that money aside. Maybe one less espresso or holding off on that pair of shoes that you just had to have ☺️ I love you guys and want you to be ok.”