Gladys Knight Responds After Son Raises Concerns Over Her Health and Husband
Music legend Gladys Knight says she is “healthy and happy” despite recent claims from her son, Shanga Hankerson, that her husband, William McDowell, has been mentally and financially abusive. Hankerson also alleged that his 81-year-old mother’s demanding touring schedule was harmful to her well-being and confirmed he filed a complaint with authorities in North Carolina earlier this month.
Knight, who has been recently performing on The Queens Tour alongside Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills, pushed back on her son’s statements. In a message to fans, she insisted her health had been misrepresented, saying she has enjoyed time with loved ones and is eager to return to the stage. “I’m healthy and happy,” Knight said, adding that she was excited to continue the tour later this year.
Hankerson, meanwhile, told PEOPLE he remains concerned, citing instances where he believes Knight showed memory lapses and questioning why she continues to perform. In response, Knight’s publicist said she and her team were “greatly saddened by Shanga’s unfounded allegations,” noting he has had little contact with her in recent years. The Department of Human Services in Buncombe County, N.C. has not commented on the ongoing case.
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