Legendary American singer Gladys Knight has responded after her son, Shanga Hankerson, accused her husband, William McDowell, of elder abuse.
According to Daily Mail, Hankerson, 49, had alleged that McDowell — who is 33 years younger than Knight — was taking advantage of his mother and pushing her into a demanding tour schedule that he described as “detrimental” to her health.
But in a statement to The Post, the seven-time Grammy winner set the record straight, assuring fans that she is “healthy and happy” and not being forced into anything.
“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.
She added that her health and performances had been misrepresented and that she was excited to return to the stage with The Queens Tour alongside her sisters.
Meanwhile, Hankerson insists his mother is showing signs of cognitive decline and should not be pressured to keep working. He has also filed a complaint with North Carolina’s Department of Human Services.
Knight’s reps, however, strongly denied his claims, saying the singer hasn’t toured since June 1 and is simply waiting to restart in September. They described his allegations as “unfounded” and revealed that her lawyers may take legal action.
Hankerson, in response, labelled the statement “inaccurate” and accused McDowell of keeping him away from his mother.
This family rift has now become public, with fans divided between showing concern for the 81-year-old music legend and questioning the motive behind her son’s accusations.
