LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Popular singer Brian McKnight has found himself in the midst of a social media storm after revealing that he legally changed his name to align with his newborn son.
Critics argue that this is an attempt to distance himself from his four older children from previous relationships.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, McKnight, best known for his hit song 'Back at One', wrote, “So proud to introduce our son BRIAN KAINOA MAKOA JR."
Brian McKnight changes his name
The 54-year-old artist expressed pride in the release of his new album, dedicated to the infant, as well as in legally adopting the name Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr.
“To the world with the release of my new album lovingly created for him. JR. because I am also proud to officially announce that I have legally changed my name to exactly match my legacy’s,” he announced.
However, this seemingly innocuous announcement took a drastic turn when it triggered a wave of criticism from fans and followers. Many accused McKnight of trying to detach himself from his four eldest children: McKnight Jr, Niko, Briana, and Clyde, who are the result of his previous relationships.
Turbulent relationships and past accusations
Brian McKnight Jr, a musician like his father, responded to the outcry on Instagram. He defended his family name, stating that he is proud of his ancestral heritage and has no intention of changing his name. He added that he will welcome his new sibling once the time is right.
McKnight Sr has had a tumultuous relationship with his four eldest children, which came to the forefront in 2019.
The singer publicly labeled his children as "entitled." However, this assertion was vehemently denied by McKnight Jr, who argued that his father's actions and attitude were unwarranted.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Brian McKnight is married to Leilani Mendoza, who has two children from a previous relationship.
Internet uproar as Brian McKnight changes name to match newborn son
The R&B singer has sparked outrage on the internet after announcing that he legally changed his name to align with his newborn son's name.
One wrote, "I’ve never seen anyone proudly demonstrate how much they hate their children like Brian McKnight. Changing his name to match the new baby when he’s already got a Jr is next level cruel. he’s a trash human being for not only doing it, but also putting it on display to the world."
Another said, "Brian McKnight is so wicked. He changed his last name to Makoa McKnight so he could name his newborn Brian Makoa McKnight Jr, when he already has a son named Brian McKnight Jr. Idk how much more wicked one can be."
"This is just…there are no words to describe how much of a vile human being you have to be to hurt your first born son, by doing some mess like this! #BrianMcknight is truly disgusting for this!" a user remarked.
"There’s terrible people There’s terrible parents Then there’s Brian McKnight," commented another.
"Brian McKnight is a f**ing weirdo. Being almost 60 legally changing your name & disassociate yourself from your Black children is SOME pitiful shit," someone else said.
