Brian McKnight Sues Urban One, Raleigh-Durham

R&B singer Brian McKnight has filed a defamation lawsuit against Urban One, WFXC-FM (Foxy 107.1) Raleigh, and on-air host Karen Clark, alleging they falsely portrayed him as an abusive and neglectful father, reports AllHipHop in an exclusive report.

According to the complaint, the dispute centers on a January 23, 2025 interview conducted at Foxy 107.1’s Raleigh studio with McKnight’s ex-wife, singer Julie McKnight. The interview, which also aired on the station’s YouTube channel, included allegations that McKnight was “emotionally abusive, mentally abusive, and a neglectful father.”

McKnight claims Clark failed to remain neutral during the segment and instead endorsed or reinforced the accusations through her commentary and questioning. The suit alleges the station did not verify the claims, provide him an opportunity to respond, or include any disclaimer.

The lawsuit also names Urban One’s nationally syndicated The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, citing a December 15, 2025 podcast episode that featured a clip of McKnight’s eldest son, Brian McKnight Jr. In the clip, his son alleged that McKnight refused to tell his son Niko he loved him while he was battling cancer. McKnight argues the excerpt was edited and presented without context, further damaging his reputation.

The complaint seeks more than $25,000 in compensatory damages for each claim, along with punitive damages. McKnight contends that Urban One continued to “publish, republish, and amplify” what he describes as false and misleading narratives, despite prior objections.

The legal action follows years of public family disputes involving McKnight, his former spouse, and his older children, much of which has played out on social media and in interviews. McKnight has previously denied the allegations and maintains that the public narrative surrounding his family relationships is incomplete and inaccurate. Read the entire article here.