The gloves are off and the final check just cleared! Brian McKnight is celebrating a massive W, taking to Instagram on Thursday, October 16th, to confirm he just scored a staggering $8.8 million in punitive damages and legal fees in his defamation case against his ex-wife, Julie. This isn’t just a legal victory; it’s a full-on money flex.
In a video posted from the English countryside—because that’s how you celebrate a win—McKnight was spotted kicking back, puffing a cigar, and letting the world know they were patient.
“We’ve been quiet, listening to liars continue to lie… letting our lawyer do the talking,” he stated. But the silence is over. McKnight delivered the punchline straight from the courts: “Trying to ruin my name and trying to bring harm to my family in a book filled with lies equals $8.8 million dollars.” And the drama isn’t settled yet—he fired a clear warning: “anyone and everyone that helped promote these lies will hear from my lawyer in the days to come.”
The court drama comes after years of public family beef. McKnight caught major heat from fans who dubbed him a “deadbeat dad” for prioritizing the children he shares with his current wife, Leilani Malia Mendoza, over his older kids. The “Back at One” singer even legally changed his name to Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr. to align with his youngest son.
The drama includes his two sons with Julie, Niko and Brian Jr., whom he notoriously called “products of sin.”
The situation became tragic when Niko passed away from cancer on May 30, 2025. McKnight was estranged from Niko for years, and he put the blame on his ex-wife Julie for blocking him from helping his son. McKnight claims he had top oncologists and specialists ready to go with private care, but the offer was declined by Niko and his mother. Julie, however, denies this, stating he made zero effort to connect with their late son.
McKnight—who also has an estranged daughter from a separate relationship—is standing on his truth, legal fees paid, but the family saga is clearly far from finished.
About the Author
