Claflin University is exploring other options after the school faced backlash for its decision to book Brian McKnight as the headliner for its 31st Presidential Scholarship Gala for Nov. 21st.
In response, Claflin released a statement saying they are “currently exploring options” regarding the gala’s entertainment. While the statement didn’t name McKnight directly, it acknowledged community concerns and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to ensuring the event reflects its mission to support students.
McKnight has faced public controversies involving his ex-wife, Julie McKnight, and his estranged children—ranging from disowning his biological children (Briana, Brian Jr, Niko, and Claude), calling his older children a product of sin, discrediting his older son, Brian McKnight Jr., by changing his name to “Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr.” to align with his newborn child with his current wife, whose name is Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Jr., and showing public favoritism towards his step children with his current wife over his older children.
He also recently celebrated an $8.8 million defamation judgment against his ex-wife and was caught in a social media feud following the tragic death of his estranged son, Niko McKnight, in 2025.
Clafin University, an HBCU located in Orangeburg, SC, public statement following backlash for booking Brian McKnight to perform at the school’s 31st annual Presidential Scholarship Gala; Photo Credit: Clafin University/Instagram
Critics argue his actions contradict the message of mentorship and unity that the gala strive to uphold and that his presence will overshadow the overall purpose of the event.
One Facebook user posted the following message on the university’s decision to book McKnight and his negative publicity with his estrange children.
“Claflin booking Brian McKnight in 2025 was a choice. A bold, intentional choice. Anybody pretending not to know what the issue is is being willfully ignorant. I know how booking talent works one person doesn’t make that call alone. A group of people agreed this was a good idea, and honestly, none of them should still have their jobs.
This man has proven himself to be disgusting, vile, anti-Black, self-hating, and disrespectful to women and children. And it’s not old gossip it’s came straight from his own ostrich a— mouth and social media as recently as last week.
When Black people canceled Brian McKnight, it was one band, one sound. I don’t know who at Claflin missed that memo.
This was a bold, calculated, disrespectful choice.The Black community hasn’t agreed on much lately, but we have agreed on the cancellation of Brian Mcknight.And as somebody with a booking agent on speed dial trust me, there were plenty of artists available in that same budget and timeframe. This was a choice.”
The university, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, wants to ensure the event is a beacon of light for the institution while raising needed funds to support student scholarships, according to the statement.
