Soul music legend Gladys Knight has publicly responded to serious elder abuse allegations made by her son. She firmly dismissed the claims and assured fans of her well-being. The 81-year-old singer’s statement comes after her eldest son, Shanga Hankerson, accused her husband of subjecting her to abuse and forcing her to continue performing despite health concerns.
Knight’s publicist Laura Herlovich called the allegations “unfounded” and noted that Hankerson “has had no substantial contact with her.” The publicist also revealed that Knight’s legal team is considering all legal options due to what they describe as “defamatory comments” made by her son.
In her response to the allegations, Knight emphasized that she remains “healthy and happy” despite the troubling claims. “I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented,” she told The Post. “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? I’m healthy and happy and visiting friends and family these last few months.”
Background of the family dispute adds complexity to the situation
The family dispute involves serious accusations from Hankerson, who claims his mother is being subjected to mental and financial abuse by her husband William McDowell. The 49-year-old son alleged that McDowell, who is reportedly 33 years younger than Knight, is forcing the singer to tour despite declining health and cognitive issues.
Hankerson described troubling incidents during Knight’s performances, claiming she would “zone out” on stage and forget to look at teleprompters. He told media outlets that background singers would have to step in when Knight appeared confused during shows. “The band played about two or three extra bars. And she zoned out. The background singer started singing and that brought her back,” Hankerson explained.
Gladys Knight’s family is divided as her son raises concerns over her cognitive health and accuses her husband of elder abuse, saying he’s pushing her to perform despite struggles. Is this family conflict or something more serious? #TSRInvestigates // https://t.co/3vOw9jDp5i pic.twitter.com/jCMiFxYlwn
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) August 13, 2025
The allegations have led Hankerson to file a complaint with North Carolina’s Department of Human Services, though the agency has stated that complaints are confidential and they do not comment on investigations. Hankerson has expressed concerns about his mother’s touring schedule, stating he doesn’t want her “out on tour on a tour bus, wondering where she’s at,” he told The Shade Room.
However, the family dynamics are complicated by Hankerson’s own troubled history. In 2021, he was sentenced to two years in prison for failing to pay over $1 million in payroll taxes from his restaurant chain that used his mother’s name. Knight had previously sued her son to remove her name and likeness from his businesses after the tax issues came to light.
Knight married McDowell in 2001, and the couple has been together for over two decades. The singer continues to actively perform as part of “The Queens Tour” alongside fellow R&B legends Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Stephanie Mills. The tour’s first leg concluded in June, with a second leg scheduled to resume in September.
The situation highlights broader issues around celebrity family disputes and elder care concerns in the entertainment industry. Knight’s representatives have made it clear that the singer remains committed to her touring schedule and professional obligations, dismissing suggestions that she is being coerced or manipulated in any way.
