Brian McKnight has been in many headlines lately, not for his music, but for his treatment towards his children.
For months the Grammy-nominated artist caught heat for the controversial abandonment of his three eldest children, Brian Jr., Niko, and Briana. In April, McKnight trended on X for saying that his older children, born out of wedlock, were “products of sin.”
He then praised his stepdaughter Julia, as his only daughter in an Instagram post. To make matters worse, McKnight named his youngest child with his current wife, Lelani, Brian Kainoa Makoa Jr., despite his oldest son being named Brian McKnight Jr.
To further showcase his love for his baby boy, McKnight brought his youngest Jr. with him on stage at a recent concert.
The “Back at One” singer, 55, posted an Instagram Reel from his Universal Orlando concert on Friday, June 28, showing off the emotional moment when he brought his youngest son Brian Kainoa Makoa Jr., 17 months, onto the stage with him.
In the video, the little one can be seen nestled in his dad’s arm as McKnight sings to the crowd.
He then gave his dad a big, tight hug, as elder Brian fought back tears over the touching father-son moment.
“18 months old and 18 countries visited so far,” the singer wrote in his caption. “Thank you God for always protecting and blessing us keeping us safe in our own little world while taking Brian Jr. all over the world.”
“Wow, no matter the other circumstances. This baby loves his daddy,” replied one person in his comments. “That’s his superhero, and this was a beautiful moment captured. I pray their family can heal.
Despite the emotional father and son moment, some viewers were not moved.
“No matter how beautiful this MAY LOOK. He told his other children to take a hike! I have a new family with new kids! Now that sh-t is MESSED UP! I used to like him. But now I have no love or respect for him.”
Another critic wrote, “Yup . Classic. Love your last child but not the other ones that came wayyy before.”