Detroit fans are not in support of the disparaging remarks Brian McKnight made about his biological children.
McKnight’s Detroit show at the MotorCity Casino Hotel, scheduled for June 9, announced on May 3 that the event organizer’s had to cancel the event. The sudden decision seems to be in response to the 54-year-old artist calling his children from previous relationships a “product of sin” and “evil.”
The backlash erupted after McKnight, who belongs to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, made the controversial statements during a live social media interaction with fans. He stated he didn’t acknowledge his biological daughter Briana because she was “illegitimate.”
Meanwhile, McKnight made a post praising his stepdaughter Julia for graduating and he was called out for labeling her his “one and only daughter.” McKnight has Brian Jr. and Niko from his first marriage to Julie McKnight, Briana from a previous relationship plus two stepchildren (Julia and Jack) and a toddler, Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Jr., from his current marriage.
He claimed that Julia “understands the scriptures,” promptly quoting Exodus 20:12—”Honor your father and your mother…”
“Tell him bring his kids and we might come.”
When the Detroit venue promoted McKnight’s show on Facebook, fans swiftly rejected him in the comments. “Wouldn’t even go for free,” one user stated, while another wrote “Sir, absolutely not” alongside a “Hell Naw” gif.
Some suggested McKnight should make amends by bringing his children, with one commenting “Tell him bring his kids and we might come.” Others mocked the situation, like one fan joking “I Know good n hell well this ain’t Father’s Day weekend is it?”
Fans argued McKnight has cancelled himself by mistreating his kids, with one stating “Nah… he needs to start back at ONE and put his KIDS first. I’m good.” Another echoed “Brian canceled himself once he canceled them kids.”
As controversy mounts, McKnight faces an uphill battle regaining fan support unless he takes accountability and reconciles with his estranged children.