Legendary singer Gladys Knight, known as the ‘Empress of Soul,’ is setting the record straight after her son, Shanga Hankerson, publicly accused her husband, William McDowell, of elder abuse. Knight, now 81 years old, assures fans that she is healthy, happy, and far from the negative claims being made.
Setting the Record Straight
In a statement to the press, Knight revealed, ‘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 also emphasized that her health has been misrepresented and shared her excitement for her upcoming appearances on The Queens Tour.
Contrary to her son’s statements, Knight’s representatives confirmed that she had taken several months off from touring and is prepared to resume performances in September. They added that Shanga Hankerson’s accusations of cognitive decline and elder abuse were ‘unfounded.’
The Family Dispute
Shanga Hankerson, 49, expressed concerns over his mother’s well-being, citing her demanding schedule and alleging improper influence by her younger husband, McDowell. Hankerson told The Shade Room, ‘I don’t want my mom out on a bus tour wondering where she’s at.’ He later elaborated in People magazine, questioning why his mother feels the need to continue working as hard as she does.
However, Knight’s team pushed back, stating that Hankerson has not maintained close contact with his mother and that legal action may be pursued due to his ‘defamatory comments.’
A Complex History
This is not the first time tension between Knight and her son has made headlines. In 2017, she legally required Hankerson to stop using her name and image in association with his chain of Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles restaurants. The dispute escalated when Shanga admitted guilt in a payroll tax evasion case, resulting in a two-year prison sentence and over $1 million in restitution.
Gladys Knight’s Commitment to Wellness
Given the recent scrutiny of her health, Knight has made it clear that she prioritizes well-being. Fans looking to stay active and healthy like the legendary singer may consider products like the Lumene Nordic-C Radiance Cream, designed to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin naturally—a great companion for those juggling busy lives.
Looking to the Future
Despite the drama, Knight is focused on her love of performing and connecting with fans. ‘See you soon,’ she promised, as she prepares to hit the road again alongside her fellow musicians. Her resilience continues to inspire audiences worldwide, proving that age is just a number when it comes to following your passion.
