Gladys Knight addresses Health Concerns Following Son’s Abuse Allegations
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Music icon Gladys Knight has publicly responded to growing concerns about her health and wellbeing, following allegations made by her son, Shanga Hankerson, regarding her husband, William McDowell. The 81-year-old singer reassured fans she is “healthy and happy” despite the unfolding family dispute and subsequent scrutiny from North Carolina authorities.
The Queens Tour and Rising Concerns
Knight, a performer for nearly 75 years, is currently on The Queens tour with fellow R&B legends Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and stephanie Mills.The tour, which commenced in May, has eleven shows remaining scheduled between September and December. The controversy surfaced when Hankerson voiced his concerns about his mother’s demanding performance schedule in a recent interview.
Hankerson, age 49, asserted that the rigorous touring was “detrimental” to Knight’s health, suggesting it was motivated more by McDowell than by Knight’s own wishes. He expressed worry that his mother was being overextended and potentially exploited.
Knight’s Response and Family Dispute
Responding to her son’s claims, Knight released a statement to Peopel magazine. “I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented,” she stated. “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 continued, “I’m healthy and happy and visiting friends and family thes last few months. I’m excited to get back on the road with my sisters and on stage with The Queens Tour. See you soon.”
Though, Hankerson stands by his assessment, describing his mother’s recent performances as “on cruise control.” He alleges instances where Knight exhibited memory lapses, including an incident on New Year’s Day where she reportedly did not recognize him for 45 minutes.
Pro Tip: Recognizing signs of elder abuse can be challenging. Look for changes in behavior, financial irregularities, and social isolation.
Formal Complaint and Investigation
The family dispute has escalated beyond public statements. Hankerson filed a formal complaint with the Department of Human Services in Buncombe County,North Carolina,earlier this month. He reports that caseworkers conducted a welfare check at Knight’s home the following day.He alleges McDowell has been “mentally and financially” abusive towards his mother.
According to Hankerson, “I did my best to give [McDowell] the space to play the role of husband and do what was in my mom’s best interest, and he has not done that. Why is she working? Why is she in this situation where she’s being made to believe that she has to work like this? That’s really my issue with it.”
Conflicting Statements and Legal Action
Knight’s publicist, Laura Herlovich, issued a statement dismissing Hankerson’s allegations as “unfounded,” particularly noting his alleged lack of recent contact with the singer. Herlovich clarified that Knight had not been touring since June 1st and anticipates resuming the tour in September.
“At this time our lawyers have no choice but to explore any and all legal remedies due to Shanga’s defamatory comments,” Herlovich stated. Hankerson disputes this characterization, claiming he has been deliberately limited in his access to his mother and that her “deterioration has occurred over a period of years, and is very evident.” he has challenged Knight’s representatives to provide verifiable medical evidence supporting their claims of her good health.
Did You Know?…
Elder abuse is a significant public health issue, with only one in 24 cases of abuse ever reported to authorities (CDC).
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2025 | The Queens Tour begins |
| August 2025 | Shanga Hankerson publicly expresses concerns about Gladys Knight’s health. |
| August 2025 | Gladys Knight releases statement affirming her wellbeing. |
| August 2025 | Shanga Hankerson files complaint with Buncombe County Department of Human Services. |
what impact will this family dispute have on Gladys Knight’s career and personal life? How can families navigate similar situations involving aging loved ones and potential abuse?
Gladys Knight’s career spans decades, marked by numerous accolades and iconic hits. Her story highlights the challenges faced by many artists as they age and navigate the demands of a continuing career. The issue of elder abuse is increasingly prevalent, with families often struggling to balance independence with protection. Understanding the signs of abuse and available resources is crucial for safeguarding the wellbeing of vulnerable adults.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gladys Knight’s Situation
- What are the allegations against William McDowell? Shanga Hankerson alleges that McDowell is mentally and financially abusive towards Gladys Knight.
- What is Gladys Knight’s current health status? Knight maintains she is healthy and happy, despite her son’s concerns.
- What is the status of The Queens Tour? The tour is currently paused but is scheduled to resume in September.
- What steps has Shanga Hankerson taken to address his concerns? He filed a formal complaint with the Department of Human Services in Buncombe County, North carolina.
- Where can I find more information about elder abuse? Resources are available through the CDC and the national Center on Elder Abuse.
We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the resources mentioned above.
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