When Brian McKnight made eyebrow-raising comments about his biological children last month, tongues wagged. As he tried to defend himself, what got most people's attention was that he seemed to be only recognizing his stepchildren while making a not-so-subtle statement that his biological kids might have a touch of the "evil" about them.
Predictably, the internet exploded with criticism. McKnight's son Niko didn't hold back, firing shots at his dad on social media and flipping the script by labeling him as the real "evil" while dropping some bombshell accusations.
Brian McKnight Gig Cancelled After Controversial Comments About Biological Kids
McKnight finds himself squarely in the spotlight, grappling with the fallout of his own doing. His upcoming gig at Detroit's MotorCity Casino Hotel, slated for the beginning of June, was cancelled for all these statements about his children.
Before its cancellation, people on social media made it abundantly clear they weren't too keen on showing their support, taking to trolling the event organizers with a vengeance. Some said they would not even go for free, or would only go if he makes amends with his kids.
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Later on, ticket holders received the news of the event's cancellation, prompting a wave of jubilation across social media platforms.
Some users couldn't resist labeling it as a case of "karma" served piping hot, as reported by Hot New Hip Hop.
Ex-Wife Amused by Unfolding Drama, Karma
Even McKnight's ex-wife, Julie, joined the digital revelry with a simple popcorn emoji, signaling her amusement at the unfolding drama.
However, her earlier response to McKnight's comments, accompanied by a clip likening him to a petulant child, seems to have set the stage for this digital showdown.
"The point of every negative situation, whether it's an illness whether it's a fool that you have to deal with because they keep entering your life when you are no longer giving any more energy to it, is to only keep you down to where they thought they had you because they were the author of an extremely abusive situation emotionally, mentally," she explained.
"So when everybody pulls that away, it's like a kid without candy who throws a tantrum..."
McKnight has remained silent regarding the cancellation.
Brian McKnight, Children Dynamics
The complex dynamics between Brian McKnight and his children have long been known, and now, the performer finds himself under intense scrutiny for the stark contrast in his treatment of each.
Last month, he took to the internet to address a commenter's inquiry about how his biological daughter, Briana, might feel seeing him lavish praise on his step-daughter, Julia.
Rather than addressing Briana's feelings, McKnight referred to Julia as his "one and only daughter," leaving many questioning his priorities and the depth of his paternal bond.
"She feels great," he said of Julia in a clip posted on Instagram. "See, Julia understands the scripture Exodus 20:12, where it says, and I quote, 'Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days be long upon the land..' See, she honors us, and in turn, we honor her because she knows how proud of her we are."
In a subsequent video, McKnight addressed a fan who defended him, asserting that he had to distance himself from his biological children to attain happiness.
He also made a video about his son Niko and the backlash on the comment section was palpable. Others cannot help but express regret that the artist they once so loved because of his ballads and heartwarming songs are now someone they do not recognize.
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