Kniko Howard is an American celebrity child, largely recognized as the firstborn son of Draya Michele, a well-known reality TV star, actress, fashion designer, and businesswoman. Over the years, much attention has been focused on Draya Michele’s career and public life, but her son Kniko has also stirred curiosity among fans, particularly regarding his father’s identity. The mystery surrounding Kniko’s father had long been the subject of rumors, especially after Draya’s relationships with high-profile celebrities like Chris Brown and Gilbert Arenas. However, the truth about Kniko Howard’s father is both simpler and more complex than the gossip might suggest.
Personal Info – Kniko Howard Sr.
Notable events: Was incarcerated when Draya Michele was seven months pregnant with Kniko.
Full name: Kniko Howard Sr.
Place of birth: Pennsylvania, USA
Current residence: Pennsylvania, USA
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Mixed-race
Religion: Christianity
Profession: Barber
Ex-partner: Draya Michele
Children: Kniko Howard
Early Life and Background of Kniko Howard
Kniko Howard was born in 2002 when Draya Michele was just 17 years old, navigating life as a young woman in Pennsylvania. Kniko’s father, Kniko Howard Sr., was not widely known to the public until Draya set the record straight about him in 2016. For years, speculation about Kniko’s parentage ran rampant, with rumors linking the child to former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. Draya’s co-star on Basketball Wives LA, Jennifer Williams, further fueled these rumors by claiming that Arenas was Kniko’s father. However, these claims were later debunked by Draya herself, who took to social media to reveal the real story.
The Truth About Kniko’s Father
Kniko Howard Sr. is a barber who resides in Pennsylvania. Draya Michele, in a since-deleted Instagram post from 2016, addressed the longstanding rumors about Kniko’s paternity. She clarified that Kniko’s father was never a basketball player or a celebrity, but rather an ordinary man who worked as a barber. Draya shared that she became pregnant with Kniko when she was 17 years old, and that his father had been incarcerated when she was seven months along in her pregnancy. She emphasized that the idea of Gilbert Arenas being Kniko’s father was not only false but also an intrusion on her and her family’s privacy.
Draya’s candid post was a revelation to many fans who had followed the speculation about her son’s father. By clearing the air, she highlighted the reality that she had worked hard as a young, single mother to support her son without relying on child support or any financial aid from a wealthy celebrity. This confession underscored Draya’s resilience and determination to provide for her family, despite the obstacles she faced as a young mother.
Draya Michele: A Successful Career Despite the Odds
Draya Michele’s journey from being a young, single mother to a successful media personality and businesswoman is nothing short of inspiring. Born Andraya Michelle Howard on January 23, 1985, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Draya first gained public attention when she began dating popular singer Chris Brown. Their relationship brought her into the spotlight, but it was her role on Basketball Wives LA that cemented her place in reality TV fame. Appearing on the show from 2011 to 2015, Draya quickly became a fan favorite, known for her outspoken personality and unapologetic attitude.
In addition to her reality TV career, Draya has also made a name for herself in the fashion world. She launched her swimwear line, Mint Swim, in 2011, which has since become a well-established brand. In 2016, she expanded her fashion empire with the launch of her clothing line, Beige & Coco. Draya’s ventures into fashion and business have proven successful, allowing her to build a brand independent of her reality TV fame.
Kniko Howard’s Family Dynamics
Kniko Howard is not Draya’s only child. He has two younger siblings, both born from Draya’s relationships with other high-profile men. In 2013, Draya began dating Orlando Scandrick, a former NFL cornerback. The two had a tumultuous relationship, marked by cheating rumors and on-again, off-again engagements. Despite the drama, they welcomed a son, Jru Scandrick, in April 2016. The relationship eventually ended, but Draya and Orlando continue to co-parent their son.
In 2023, Draya was romantically linked to NBA player Jalen Green, and in May 2024, she announced the birth of her third child. Despite the public’s curiosity about her private life, Draya has remained relatively tight-lipped about her relationship with Green, choosing instead to focus on her career and her role as a mother.
Kniko Howard’s Relationship with His Father
Since Draya’s revelation about Kniko’s father in 2016, there has been little public information about the relationship between Kniko and his father, Kniko Howard Sr. Draya has never explicitly discussed whether Kniko has a close relationship with his father or the extent to which his father is involved in his life. However, it is clear that Draya has been the primary parent throughout Kniko’s life, raising him with the support of her own family, particularly her mother.
Conclusion
Kniko Howard’s story is a testament to the challenges and triumphs that can come with being a celebrity child. While much of the focus has been on his mother, Draya Michele, and her rise to fame, Kniko’s life is a reflection of the complexities that often accompany life in the spotlight. Draya has worked hard to protect her son from the public eye and the rumors that have surrounded him, while also being open about her struggles as a young mother. Despite the challenges, Draya Michele has built a successful career, raised her son with love and dedication, and shown that family is her top priority.
