🎤 Gladys Knight Responds To Health Rumors And Legal Drama With Grace
Music legend Gladys Knight is speaking out.
After days of growing speculation, viral commentary, and serious allegations from her son Shanga Hankerson, the “Midnight Train to Georgia” singer has stepped forward to clear the air, straight from her own mouth.
The seven-time Grammy Award winner took to Instagram on Thursday to address questions surrounding her health and the future of her performances on “The Queens Tour.”
And let me tell you, Auntie Gladys came with receipts and reassurance.
🗣️ The Rumors: Memory Issues, Elder Abuse, And Touring Concerns
In recent weeks, whispers began to swirl about Knight’s onstage behavior, claims that she was forgetting lyrics or appearing disoriented during tour stops.
But things took a serious turn when her son, Shanga Hankerson, publicly accused her much younger husband, William McDowell, of elder abuse.
“I don’t want my mom out on tour on a tour bus wondering where she’s at,” Hankerson told The Shade Room.
He insisted that her upcoming tour dates, set to resume in September, could be harmful to her health.
He didn’t stop there.
Hankerson, 49, told People that Knight was essentially “on cruise control” and that McDowell was pushing her to keep working.
He claimed she’s had memory struggles in recent years and alleged that she was being made to feel she had to continue performing.
“I did my best to give [McDowell] the space to play the role of husband… and he has not done that,” Hankerson said.
He’s even gone so far as to file a complaint with North Carolina’s Department of Human Services.
💬 Gladys Knight’s Official Statement
On August 21, Knight clearly fed up with the speculation, released a statement via Instagram, paired with a performance clip:
“I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented.
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?
I’m healthy and happy and visiting friends and family these last few months.
I’m excited to get back on the road with my sisters and on stage with ‘The Queens Tour’! See you soon 💜”
See her original post below.
🎶 Reps Clap Back And Legal Options Are On The Table
Knight’s reps didn’t mince words either.
Her publicist, Laura Herlovich, told The New York Post that the team is “greatly saddened by Shanga’s unfounded allegations,” and said he has had “no substantial contact” with her.
“She has not been on tour since June 1 and can’t wait to begin touring again in September,” Herlovich confirmed.
She also added that Knight’s lawyers are now exploring “any and all legal remedies” due to the “defamatory comments.”
Hankerson fired back, calling the statement “inaccurate” and claiming he’s been intentionally kept from having access to his mother.
But he insisted his motives are pure. “This has nothing to do with money for me. I’m trying to get her to stop working.”
💍 Inside Gladys Knight’s Personal Life
Let’s set the record straight on Gladys Knight’s marriage history because that’s also become part of the conversation.
Knight married William McDowell in 2001.
She was previously married to James Newman from 1960 to 1973, with whom she shares two children, James III and Kenya.
Her second marriage was to music exec Barry Hankerson from 1974 to 1979, Shanga’s father.
She later married former Ohio state Rep. Les Brown from 1995 to 1997.
McDowell, 48, made a brief appearance on “Good Morning America” last week and chose not to respond publicly to Hankerson’s accusations.
🎟️ “The Queens Tour” Is Still On
As of now, Gladys Knight is gearing up to rejoin her “Queens Tour” sisters in September.
Despite the family tension, it’s clear from her own words and stage presence that she’s still in command and moving at her own pace.
Let’s not forget, this is a woman with over 75 years in the game.
Her legacy is untouchable. And if she says she’s good, I say give her her flowers and a mic.
💜 Are you planning to catch Gladys Knight on tour this fall?
Drop down in the comments or come chat about it over at IceCreamConvos.com!
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