Gladys Knight responds after son accuses her husband of elder abuse

Legendary soul singer Gladys Knight has broken her silence after her son, Shanga Hankerson, publicly accused her husband, William McDowell, of elder abuse and exploitation.

The allegations surfaced in a recent interview with The Shade Room, where Hankerson and his ex-wife, Gloria, voiced concerns about Knight’s health, cognitive function, and continued touring schedule.

Gladys Knight alleged abuse : Son Raises Alarms Over Knight’s Health and Touring Demands

Hankerson claims his 81-year-old mother is showing signs of cognitive decline, including memory lapses and confusion during live performances. He described a moment when Knight appeared disoriented on stage, requiring background singers and teleprompter rewinds to help her recover.

“She zoned out during the show,” Hankerson said. “They had to rewind the teleprompters because my mom forgot to look at them.”

He also recalled Knight struggling to speak coherently during his 2021 sentencing for tax-related charges. “She couldn’t form complete sentences or coherent thoughts,” he said.

Despite these concerns, Knight is scheduled to perform in September on the second leg of The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage tour alongside Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Stephanie Mills. Hankerson alleges McDowell—Knight’s husband and manager, who is 14 years her junior—is pressuring her to continue performing against her best interests.

“I don’t want my mom out on a tour bus, wondering where she’s at,” Hankerson said. “She doesn’t need to work another day. What’s happening is pushing her toward her departure, and I don’t want to see that.”

DHS Complaint Filed and Alleged Diagnosis Shared

Hankerson said he filed a formal complaint with the North Carolina Department of Human Services, citing elder abuse and exploitation. He also shared text messages allegedly sent by McDowell, in which Knight’s husband claimed she had “Sundowner’s Syndrome,” a condition marked by confusion and agitation in the late afternoon and evening.

According to Hankerson, McDowell has restricted family access to Knight and manipulated her into believing she must keep working. He described an incident in Baltimore where Knight reportedly wandered away from her hotel and was unable to answer basic questions when approached by staff.

Gladys Knight Responds: “I’m Healthy and Happy”

Knight issued a statement dismissing the claims and reassuring fans about her well-being.

“I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented,” she 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—hard to believe, right?”

Knight added that she’s been spending time with loved ones and is eager to return to the stage.

“I’m healthy and happy and visiting friends and family these last few months,” she said. “I’m excited to get back on the road with my sisters and on stage with The Queens Tour. See you soon.”