Veteran R&B crooner Brian McKnight has been facing backlash after purchasing his stepdaughter, Julia, an expensive car and allegedly “not claiming” his Black children.
On Dec. 13, Brian shared an Instagram slide with photos of himself and Julia happily standing next to a 2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe that he purchased–A car that typically starts at a $45,000 cost.
“Today we celebrate you Jules on your birthday your mom and I couldn’t be prouder of you and I couldn’t ask for a better daughter than you!!! Happy birthday to the best daughter ever! Love u a zillion. #iloveourlife #mrandmrsmcknightworldtour #brianized #knightandlei #ohana,” he wrote.
Julia replied to his post from her private account, @Jules_Mcphee, writing, “You’re the best dad EVER and I love you so much,” in the comments.
The post was since posted to The Neighborhood Talk’s Instagram page, after he allegedly blocked a fan in the comments who accused him of ignoring his biological children: Brian McKnight Jr., 33, Niko, 30, and Briana, 21.
“Man, you know d*mn well this ain’t your daughter! ‘Estranger’ or not, Brianna is your daughter! Make it right with your biological kids before it’s too late!” the now-deleted comment said.
Fans have been echoing the same sentiments for the past few months, as many of them have been complaining that he doesn’t claim his real children. He was previously called out for only claiming the children he currently shares and raises with his Filipina wife, Lelani Mendoza. The McKnights have been married since 2017, and co-parent Lelani’s adult kids, Julia, 23, and Jack McPhee, 20, from a previous relationship.
In a 2022 Mother’s Day Instagram post, Brian opened up the passing of their then-newborn son, Kekoa Matteo.
Another IG user responded to the singer’s recent post, saying, “It ain’t none of our business but the fact that he purposely lists his step kids in his bio as if his bio kids don’t exist. That’s spiteful af.”
A third wrote, “People see a fraction of [someone’s] life and want to offer an unsolicited opinion…so those are the consequences of those actions…#BLOCKED.”
Brian has not responded to the social media backlash.
