Legendary singer Gladys Knight has spoken out after her son, Shanga Hankerson, publicly accused her husband of elder abuse.
The 81-year-old, known for her hit “Midnight Train to Georgia,” believes her son is “healthy and happy,” even as he claims that her husband, 33-year-old William McDowell Jr., is taking advantage of her both mentally and financially.
Recently, Hankerson expressed concern, stating, “I don’t want my mother to be on tour in a way that makes me question where she is.” He further remarked that her upcoming tour, set to resume in September, is “harmful” to her well-being.
Knight later responded to these allegations, asserting in a statement that her health and performance are being misrepresented. “I want the fans and everyone involved to feel reassured. I’m doing quite well, especially for someone who has been performing for nearly 75 years. Hard to believe, huh?” she said.
“I’ve felt healthy and happy in recent months, visiting friends and family. I’m excited to return to the stage with my sisters on this tour,” she added.
After making his claims, Hankerson revealed that he filed a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Human Services.
McDowell, in an interview, stated that he isn’t focusing on the discourse surrounding Hankerson’s comments, although he acknowledged that his mother has never expressed a desire to stop performing. Hankerson, however, claimed that she seems to be “on cruise control.”
“I’ve tried to give [McDowell] space to fulfill his role as my mother’s husband, but he’s not doing it,” he mentioned. “Why is she continuing to work? Why does it seem like she feels she must work this way? That’s really what troubles me.”
Hankerson also indicated that his mother has faced memory issues in recent years.
A representative for Knight stated that they were “deeply saddened” by Shanga’s unfounded accusations, adding that Knight had “no significant contact with him.” They noted she hasn’t toured since June 1 but is eager to start again in September. The team hinted at potential legal action concerning what they called Shanga’s defamatory statements.
In response, Hankerson criticized this statement as “inaccurate,” asserting he has been kept with minimal access to his mother. “This isn’t about money for me,” he insisted. “I just want her to stop working.”
Knight married McDowell in 2001, having previously been married to James Newman from 1960 to 1973. Later, she wed record producer Barry Hankerson in 1974, but they split just five years later. She then married former Ohio State representative Les Brown in 1995, but that union also ended in separation by 1997.
