Gladys Knight denies son's elder abuse claims against husband

In recent weeks, American soul singer Gladys Knight has publicly addressed serious allegations made by her son, Shanga Hankerson, regarding the well-being of her husband, William McDowell. Hankerson accused McDowell of financially and mentally abusing Knight, who is 81 years old. The accusations arose amid concerns for Knight's health, particularly as she is set to resume her tour with fellow artists this September. In response to the claims, Knight has reassured her fans that she is both healthy and happy, despite her son’s assertions about her being on 'cruise control' in life. The situation intensified when Hankerson revealed to the media that he filed a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Human Services, claiming that his mother's husband was manipulating her and urging her to continue working. He expressed his concerns about Knight's health and touring schedules, suggesting they were detrimental to her well-being. Despite these claims, Knight's representatives firmly stated that her health and performances have been misrepresented and described Hankerson's allegations as unfounded. They further noted that since her last tour ended on June 1, she has been eager to get back on stage this fall. During this period, William McDowell has refrained from engaging publicly in the ongoing discourse, focusing instead on respecting the role that a husband should play for Knight. He maintained that Knight has never indicated a desire to retire from performing, thus highlighting a difference in perception between him and his stepson. McDowell's silence suggests a strategy to avoid escalating the tensions surrounding the accusations, emphasizing that Knight, as an artist with a long career, remains passionate about her work. The published statements from Knight and her representatives underscore a desire to clarify the situation and promote her current wellbeing. Knight expressed in interviews that she is looking forward to reconnecting with fans and colleagues through her upcoming tour, portraying an image of resilience after being a performer for over 75 years. The fallout from this family conflict raises relevant questions on the dynamics between care, family, and the pressures of continuing a public career, especially for someone of Knight's legacy and age. The legal ramifications of Hankerson's allegations could lead to a protracted dispute that may involve court proceedings if Knight pursues defamation claims against her son.