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Legendary singer Gladys Knight has addressed public concerns after her son, Shanga Hankerson, accused her husband, William McDowell, of mentally and financially abusing her while she continues to tour. Knight assured fans that she is "healthy and happy" despite the controversy.
"I'm sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented," Knight told People. She added that she is doing very well for someone who has been performing for three-quarters of a century, calling it "hard to believe, right?" Knight also shared that she has been healthy and happy while visiting friends and family in recent months, and expressed excitement to return to the road with her sisters on The Queens Tour.
Hankerson raised concerns about his mother's cognitive health, noting that she has experienced memory lapses during performances. He described instances where she appeared disoriented on stage, requiring background singers and teleprompter adjustments to help her continue. He also claimed that McDowell has limited his access to Knight, restricting his ability to monitor her well-being.
Hankerson filed a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, asserting that Knight has been "pushed beyond her limits" and was at risk due to her demanding touring schedule. "I don't want my mom out on tour on a tour bus wondering where she's at," he said. "That's my mom, I truly love her... and don't care about her ever working a second longer while she's alive. The direction that she's going in is pushing her to her departure, and I don't want to see that."
Both Knight and McDowell have denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded. McDowell dismissed the claims as a private family matter that has been made public without basis, while Knight emphasized that she is doing well, enjoys her work, and is not being coerced into performing.
Fans have voiced support for Hankerson on social media, with hashtags like #ProtectGladys trending as they express concern for Knight's wellbeing. Nevertheless, the singer's tour continues as planned, with no cancellations announced, and she continues to engage with fans online while maintaining her performance schedule.