Soul legend Gladys Knight has publicly addressed allegations made by her son, Shanga Hankerson, who accused her husband, William McDowell, of elder abuse. The 81-year-old singer insisted she is “healthy and happy” and that her health and performances have been misrepresented.
Hankerson, 49, claimed to have filed a complaint with North Carolina’s Department of Human Services, alleging that McDowell is mentally and financially abusing Knight. He also expressed concern that her touring schedule is “detrimental” to her health, stating she is “on cruise control” and that her memory has deteriorated.
In a statement to The Independent, Knight said: “I want my fans and those concerned to rest assured I am doing very well for someone who has been on stage for three quarters of a century... I’m healthy and happy and visiting friends and family these last few months. I’m excited to get back on the road with my sisters and on stage with The Queens Tour.”
Knight’s publicist, Laura Herlovich, described Hankerson’s allegations as “unfounded” and noted that he “has had no substantial contact with her.” Herlovich added that lawyers are exploring legal remedies due to “defamatory comments.” Hankerson, however, dismissed the statement as “inaccurate” and maintained that his mother’s “deterioration has occurred over a period of years.”
McDowell declined to comment beyond Knight’s statement. Knight, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, rose to fame with Gladys Knight & the Pips and has won seven Grammys. She has been married to McDowell since 2001.
