Fans are getting a glimpse at what Brian McKnight's life was like before publicly disowning his children. Long before publicly declaring his older children were "products of sin," the R&B singer once bragged about his first wife, Julie, and their two sons, Brian McKnight Jr. and Niko, the latter of whom is battling with cancer.

(pictured below). NEW YORK – DECEMBER 15: Singer Brian McKnight and sons (L) Brian Jr. and Niko visit FOX's "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet" at the FOX Studios on December 15, 2008 in New York City.

(Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic) A recently resurfaced clip from a 1990s episode of the "Martin" sitcom has ignited a firestorm of controversy surrounding his decision to disassociate and disown his older children from previous relationships. In the excerpt that's making its rounds on social media, McKnight is seen speaking fondly of his ex-wife and his two eldest sons — sentiments that starkly contrast with his recent statements denouncing them. In a skit aimed to present marriage as a prison term, McKnight reframes it as a blissful institution and starts it off by shouting out his family.

"First I'd like to say, 'Hi,' to my two sons BJ and Nico, and my wife Julie ...

and just say 'thank you' for four wonderful years," he said to Martin Lawrence's character, Martin Payne. "I'm watching the one Martin episode when Brian mcknight was on there thanking his wife & kids for a beautiful wonderful life..

...

now this n—ga acting like they don't e.