Soul Legend Gladys Knight, 81, Addresses Abuse Accusations Against Younger Husband

Gladys Knight Addresses Allegations of Elder Abuse

Gladys Knight, the legendary singer known for her iconic hit "Midnight Train to Georgia," has publicly addressed recent claims that she is facing elder abuse from her husband, William McDowell. The 81-year-old artist emphasized that these allegations are false and that she is in good health and high spirits.

“I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented,” Knight said in a statement to The Post. “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?”

Knight highlighted that she has been staying active by visiting friends and family over the past few months. She also expressed excitement about returning to the stage with her sisters as part of The Queens Tour.

Her publicist, Laura Herlovich, echoed Knight’s sentiments, stating that the singer and her team are “greatly saddened by Shanga’s unfounded allegations.” Herlovich added that Shanga Hankerson, Knight’s eldest son, has had no substantial contact with his mother, which makes the accusations even more concerning.

“At this time our lawyers have no choice but to explore any and all legal remedies due to Shanga’s defamatory comments,” Herlovich said.

Claims of Elder Abuse and Concerns Over Health

Shanga Hankerson, Knight’s 49-year-old son, recently claimed that his mother is being subjected to elder abuse at the hands of McDowell. In an interview with the Shade Room, he alleged that McDowell is forcing Knight to tour despite her declining health.

“I did my best to give [McDowell] the space to play the role of husband and do what was in my mom’s best interest, and he has not done that,” Hankerson said. He questioned why Knight continues to work and why she is in a situation where she feels compelled to perform under such conditions.

Hankerson also claimed that McDowell has been “mentally and financially” abusive to Knight. He recounted a moment when Knight “zoned out” during a performance with her band. According to him, the band played a few extra bars, and the background singer’s voice brought her back to reality.

“They’re having to rewind the teleprompters because my mom is forgetting to even look at them,” he added.

Hankerson stated that he filed a complaint with North Carolina’s Department of Human Services and that the case is ongoing. However, the department has not commented on the matter, citing confidentiality.

Background on Knight's Personal Life

Knight and McDowell, who is reportedly 33 years younger than her, married in 2001. The seven-time Grammy winner also has a daughter, Kenya Newman, 62, and a late son, James Newman III, with her first husband, James Newman. James III passed away in 1999 from heart failure at the age of 36.

Knight was previously married to Shanga’s father, Barry Hankerson, from 1974 to 1979, and to former Ohio representative Les Brown from 1995 to 1997.

Despite the recent controversy, Knight remains focused on her career and personal life. She continues to connect with fans through her music and has expressed optimism about future performances. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the legal and public responses will shape the narrative around this high-profile family dispute.