Claflin University reconsiders its guest artist for Scholarship Gala following backlash over Brian McKnight as the initial pick

Claflin University, the black liberal arts college, was reportedly considering singer Brian McKnight as the headliner for this year’s Presidential Scholarship Gala.

According to Baller Alert, this decision was not welcomed by the alumni and supporters of the institute. Following that, the university issued a fresh statement signed by President Dr. Dwaun J. Warnack, saying that they were reconsidering the decision, as they wrote:

“Claflin University values and respects the perspectives of our constituents and stakeholders. We take your concerns regarding the artist for the Scholarship Gala seriously and are currently exploring options. Thank you for your loyal and continued support as we work to ensure this event is a beacon of light for our institution while raising needed funds to support student scholarships.”

According to BET, Brian McKnight has been criticized for reasons including being distant from his own children while allegedly being closer to his stepkids. In other news, the R&B singer recently won an $8.8 million defamation suit against his former spouse, Julie McKnight.

What did Brian McKnight say following the defamation win?

The singer took to his Instagram, where, in a self-recorded video, he said that there was no way he could be harmed. He went on to say:

“It’s been a long journey getting to this day October 16th, 2025, but we are here in the English countryside about an hour and a half outside of London and the verdict is in. We’ve been quiet, listening to liars continue to lie and keeping to ourselves living and loving our life as we said leaving everything in God’s hands, letting our lawyer do the talking.”

Brian McKnight also said that if anyone else tried to malign him, he would possibly take legal action against them. He said:

“But according to 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 this is just the beginning because anyone and everyone that help promote these lies will hear from my lawyer in the days to come.”

Brian McKnight’s letter to his newborn

McKnight is married to Leilani Malia Mendoza. The couple welcomed a son, Brian Kainoa Makoa Jr., in December 2022. Two months later, he wrote a heartfelt letter to his son on Instagram, writing:

“Everytime I look at you and kiss on you I’m feeling feelings that I did not know I could possess, an over abundance of love between a father and his legacy that cannot be measured.”

In his letter, Brian McKnight shared that he had not been an emotional person until he met his wife and deeply fell in love with her. Because of that love, he understood that his purpose in life was to be a loyal and caring husband and to build a family with her.

Trending

Also Read: Who are Brian McKnight’s children? Singer’s son calls him out for celebrating lawsuit win against his ex-wife

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback