Brian McKnight Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Rickey Smiley Morning Show and North Carolina Radio Host

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Brian McKnight has filed a defamation of character lawsuit against The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, its ownership, and North Carolina radio host Karen Clark, alleging they amplified false and damaging claims about his family life. The lawsuit centers on recent on-air discussions regarding McKnight’s strained relationship with his children, which the singer contends have harmed his reputation and career.
According to YouTuber Pam the Law Intelect, McKnight is specifically suing the Rickey Smiley Morning Show for broadcasting a clip of his son, Brian McKnight Jr., who claimed that McKnight refused to tell his late son Niko that he loved him before he died. The comments, which circulated widely online, sparked renewed public scrutiny of the singer’s personal life. McKnight argues that airing the clip without proper context contributed to what he describes in the lawsuit as defamatory narratives.
The singer is also taking legal action against Clark, a host on Foxy 107.1/104.3, over an interview she conducted with his ex-wife, Julie McKnight. According to the complaint, McKnight alleges Clark asked “leading questions” that encouraged defamatory statements to be made and broadcast. McKnight maintains that the radio station, its parent company, and the hosts involved bear responsibility for disseminating claims he says are false and damaging. Representatives for the defendants have not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit.










