From People
Gladys Knight is assuring fans she’s “healthy and happy” after her son publicly accused the music legend’s husband of mental and financial abuse — and lodged a complaint with authorities in North Carolina over her care.
Knight, 81, has been on The Queens Tour since May with fellow legends Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills, and currently has 11 shows scheduled from September through December.
The “Midnight Train to Georgia” singer’s son Shanga Hankerson expressed concern for his mother in an interview with PEOPLE, claiming that her busy touring schedule was “detrimental” to her health, and came largely at the behest of her husband, William McDowell.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Knight painted a different picture, saying she has enjoyed her time on the road and is doing well.
"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?” she said. “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.”
Hankerson, meanwhile, tells PEOPLE that while his mother has not expressed to him a desire to stop performing, he believes she’s “on cruise control,” and has in recent years struggled with her memory, citing an instance this past New Year’s in which Knight allegedly did not know who he was for 45 minutes. He previously told The Shade Room about another instance last year in which Knight allegedly wandered away from the hotel they were staying at and ended up across town.
10 comments:
the same son that bankrupted Gladys Knight Chicken and Waffles in Atlanta and went to jail for stealing witholding taxes? is there anyone else i can speak to?
2 things can be true at the same time. Her son is/was bad with money and her husband is a pimp.
She has two other kids. Why only this one and his ex wife speaking up? This should be a family affair
8:55 AM
You said it first and I echo it.
I saw her at the Queens tour. She didn't miss any lyrics because I was singing along.
Gladys is another one that has bad taste in men.
Son sounds a little spicy. LOLO
Her son thinks she should retire but maybe she doesn't want to. Working keeps you going. He needs to get a job
Cmon yall know good and well that young husband of hers got her working when she should be peacefully retired. Saw a comment where someone said she was forgetting the song words at a concert and looking hella confused.
Gladys married a younger man who is running through her pockets and making her work when she can barely walk on the stage with assistance. Her son didn't use her, her son just didn't know how to run a business and so she had her name removed from the business. Running a restaurant is very hard. As a mother I'd rather my children get my money than my 4th husband. That man she married likely already changed the Will. Watch and see.
2: 51, She has always been very weak behind men. This younger man is I think her 4th husband. I'd never remarry because it hurts generational wealth. I'm leaving my kids my money.
^ As you should, kudos for that.
didn't she have a gambling addiction? Probably need the money
Post a Comment
Commenting Rules: Please watch your language. Disguise curse words if you must use them and do not threaten or attack other commenters.
Comments violating the rules will be deleted.