Gladys Knight is weighing her legal options after her son, Shanga Hankerson, publicly criticized her upcoming tour schedule, which he claims is harmful to her health.
The legendary singer, who is 81 years old, is set to continue her Queens Tour across the US next month. Despite her son’s disapproval, she insists she is in good spirits, stating she is both “healthy and happy”.
Shanga, 49, accused Knight’s husband, William McDowell—who is 33 years younger—of engaging in both mental and financial abuse against her.
He shared his worries with The Shade Room, saying, “I hate the idea of my mom being out on tour, traveling in a bus, unsure of her surroundings.”
Following his claims, Hankerson revealed he had reported the situation to North Carolina’s Department of Human Services, sparking a federal investigation.
In response to the allegations, Knight reached out to her fans, declaring that her health and the nature of her tour have been severely “misrepresented.”
She reassured concerned fans by stating: “I am doing exceptionally for someone who has performed in front of audiences for more than 75 years, which is quite incredible, right?” In an interview with The Independent, she expressed enthusiasm about touring again, saying, “In these past months, I’ve been enjoying time with friends and family. I’m looking forward to hitting the road again with my sisters on The Queens Tour. Can’t wait to see you all!”
However, her son doubled down on his concerns, stating that he thinks her memory issues are problematic and that it could further harm her health to continue touring.
Shanga claimed: “I tried to give [McDowell] space to care for my mom, but it hasn’t happened the way it should. Why is she even working? Why does it seem like she feels she has to keep doing this? That’s what bothers me most.”
The feud over her well-being may escalate legally as Knight’s publicist stated that she is exploring “all potential legal avenues” against what she describes as his “defamatory remarks.”
They also pointed out that Shanga has reportedly had little to no meaningful interaction with her for some time.
In his defense, Hankerson declared he is fully prepared to face court regarding the matter. “This isn’t about money for me; it’s about ensuring my mother is taken care of,” he stated assertively.
Knight and McDowell tied the knot in 2001 after a whirlwind three-month romance but had known one another for almost ten years prior.
The couple has been seen together frequently at various events, showcasing their red-carpet appearances at prestigious venues, including the Kennedy Centre Honors, AMAs, Billboard Music Awards, and BET Awards.
Knight has mentioned that her grandchildren adore McDowell to the core. She is a mother of three, having first welcomed children Jimmy and Kenya in the 1960s with her first husband, James Newman, whom she divorced in 1973. She then married Barry Hankerson, the father of Shanga, in 1974; their union ended in 1979.
Known for her famous hits like ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ and ‘Midnight Train to Georgia,’ Knight is on tour this year alongside major artists like Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills.
