Gladys Knight refutes allegations from son regarding mental and financial abuse by her husband.

Gladys Knight has publicly refuted allegations made by her son, Shanga Hankerson, claiming that her husband, William McDowell, has subjected her to mental and financial abuse. A representative for the legendary singer, known for her iconic hit “Midnight Train to Georgia,” stated that Knight is “healthy and happy,” describing Hankerson’s claims as entirely unfounded.

According to the representative, Knight, who is 81 years old and has been married to McDowell for 24 years, has had minimal contact with Hankerson. The representative emphasized that Knight is deeply saddened by her son’s accusations against McDowell. Hankerson, a behavior therapist, suggested that McDowell has pressured Knight to maintain a touring schedule, which he argues is detrimental to her health. He further alleged that he has been granted very limited access to Knight and expresses concern about what he perceives as her cognitive decline over recent years.

In statements made to The Shade Room, Hankerson continued to express his concerns, claiming that McDowell has been manipulating the perception of Knight’s health to portray her as fit for performance. He stated that Knight is experiencing signs of mental decline and is being led to believe that she must continue working.

In response to these serious allegations, Knight’s publicist clarified that the singer has not been on tour since June 1, but is eager to resume touring in September as part of The Queens Tour, which features notable artists including Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills. The publicist also indicated that Knight’s legal team is contemplating possible legal actions against Hankerson for what they characterize as defamatory comments.

This is not the first instance where Knight has faced challenges with her son. In 2017, she successfully took legal action to prevent Hankerson from using her name, likeness, and memorabilia in conjunction with the Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles restaurant chain he established in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Hankerson later faced legal trouble himself, pleading guilty to neglecting to withhold payroll taxes from restaurant employees, leading to a two-year prison sentence and a requirement to pay over million in restitution.

As a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, Knight’s recent disputes with her son highlight the complexities of familial relationships, particularly when intertwined with public life and financial matters. The situation continues to evolve, drawing attention from both fans and media outlets alike.