Music legend Gladys Knight has publicly addressed concerns about her health and wellbeing after her son made allegations against her husband, claiming mental and financial abuse.
The 81-year-old “Midnight Train to Georgia” singer is reassuring fans that she remains “healthy and happy” despite the family dispute that has drawn public attention and reported involvement from North Carolina authorities.
Knight, who has been performing for nearly 75 years, continues her busy touring schedule as part of The Queens Tour alongside fellow R&B icons Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills. The tour, which began in May, has 11 additional shows scheduled from September through December.
The controversy stems from statements made by Knight’s son, Shanga Hankerson, who expressed concern about his mother’s performance schedule in an interview with People.
Hankerson, 49, alleged that the extensive touring was “detrimental” to Knight’s health and claimed it was primarily driven by her husband, William McDowell, rather than the singer’s own desires.
The “Empress of Soul” responded to these concerns through a statement shared with People, offering a different perspective on her current situation and career.
“I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented. 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, hard to believe, right?” she said.
“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. See you soon.”
However, Hankerson maintains his position that his mother is struggling, describing her as being “on cruise control” in recent performances. He cited specific incidents raising concern about Knight’s memory, including an alleged New Year’s incident where he claims Knight did not recognize him for 45 minutes.
The family dispute has escalated beyond public statements, with Hankerson revealing he filed a formal complaint with the Department of Human Services in Buncombe County, North Carolina earlier this month. According to Hankerson, case workers conducted an assessment at Knight’s home the following day.
“I did my best to give [McDowell] the space to play the role of husband and do what was in my mom’s best interest, and he has not done that. Why is she working? Why is she in this situation where she’s being made to believe that she has to work like this? That’s really my issue with it,” says Hankerson, who alleges that McDowell has been “mental[ly] and financial[ly]” abusive to his mother.
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Knight’s representatives have pushed back against these allegations. Her publicist Laura Herlovich issued a statement expressing that Knight and her team are “greatly saddened by Shanga’s unfounded allegations,” particularly given that he allegedly “has had no substantial contact with her.”
The statement also clarified Knight’s recent schedule, noting, “She has not been on tour since June 1 and can’t wait to begin touring again in September.”
“At this time our lawyers have no choice but to explore any and all legal remedies due to Shanga’s defamatory comments.”
Hankerson disputes this characterization, calling the statement “inaccurate” and alleging he has been “purposefully kept in a position of having minimal access” to his mother, maintaining that her “deterioration has occurred over a period of years, and is very evident.”
Hankerson has further challenged Knight’s representatives to provide proof of her condition. “They can say what they want. If her health has been misrepresented then supply evidence of reliable and verifiable, expert medical opinion that will stake their practice and reputation on their claim to the contrary.”
