After her son Shanga Hankerson accused her husband, William McDowell, of elder abuse, legendary singer Gladys Knight addressed health concerns.
Knight assured supporters of her wellbeing in a statement to ABC News:
I apologize for any misrepresentation of my performances and health. I want my fans and anyone who are worried to know that, despite the fact that I have been performing for three quarters of a century, I am doing incredibly well.
“I’m healthy and happy and have been visiting friends and family these past few months,” the seven-time Grammy winner continued. I can’t wait to see you again on stage with The Queens Tour and traveling with my sisters.
After Hankerson voiced worries about his mother’s mental health in an interview with The Shade Room, the family conflict came to light. In 2024, he said, he saw changes.
He claimed that she dozed off. My mom isn’t even looking at the teleprompters, so they have to rewind them.
According to Hankerson, he accused McDowell of elder abuse and lodged a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Hankerson told The Shade Room, “I don’t want my mom out on tour, on a tour bus, wondering where she’s at.”
In a separate statement, Knight’s spokeswoman Laura Herlovich vehemently denied these allegations:
Shanga’s baseless accusations deeply sadden Gladys and her staff, especially because he hasn’t had any meaningful interaction with her. According to the statement, Knight has not been on tour since June 1 and intends to start up again in September. Her legal team is also looking into all available legal options in light of Shanga’s defamatory remarks.
McDowell told ABC News that he is letting Knight’s remark speak for itself and refuses to comment further.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services told ABC News that it does not comment on investigations and that complaints are kept private.
Knight, who is referred known as the Empress of Soul, began her illustrious career more than 60 years ago with the Motown R&B group The Pips.
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