Gladys Knight Clashes with Son: Elder Abuse Accusations and Family Feud

Gladys Knight's Son Accuses Husband of Elder Abuse, But Singer Fires Back with a Sassy Response!

In a shocking turn of events, legendary singer Gladys Knight is speaking out after her 49-year-old son, Shanga Hankerson, publicly accused her husband, William McDowell, of taking advantage of her due to their significant age gap. The drama-filled family feud has left fans and friends alike wondering what's really going on behind closed doors.

According to sources close to the situation, Hankerson has been making some serious claims against his stepfather, alleging that he's manipulating Knight into working excessively long hours on tour, which is detrimental to her health. He even went so far as to say that McDowell is "taking advantage" of his mother due to their 33-year age difference.

But Knight, who's still rocking at the ripe age of 81 (hard to believe, right?), isn't having it! In a statement released exclusively to The Scholarly Note, she fired back at her son's accusations with a sassy response that left many fans cheering for her. "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," she declared.

Knight continued, "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!" She also took a swipe at her son's claims by stating that her "health and performances have been misrepresented."

But this isn't the first time Hankerson has spoken out about his concerns for his mother's well-being. Earlier this month, he filed a complaint with North Carolina’s Department of Human Services, claiming that Knight's demanding tour schedule was putting her health at risk. He even went so far as to say that she shows signs of cognitive decline.

In an interview with People, Hankerson claimed that McDowell had failed to act in his mother's best interest and asked why she was still working at her age. "Why is she working? Why is she in this situation where she’s being made to believe that she has to work like this?" he lamented.

However, Knight's reps have come out swinging against Hankerson's allegations, calling them "unfounded" and stating that he has had "no substantial contact" with his mother. They even went so far as to say that her team is exploring "any and all legal remedies" due to Hankerson's defamatory comments.

But Hankerson isn't backing down from the fight! In a statement, he called Knight's reps' claims "inaccurate" and alleged that he had been purposefully kept in a position of having minimal access to his mother. He also insisted that this has nothing to do with money for him – rather, he just wants his mom to stop working.

McDowell has remained tight-lipped about the allegations, choosing not to comment while appearing on Good Morning America last week. The couple has been married for 24 years, and their relationship is clearly put to the test in this dramatic family feud.

But what really sparked this drama? A look back at Hankerson's past reveals some shady dealings that may have contributed to his current concerns about his mother's well-being. In 2017, he was involved in a legal battle with his mother over her Chicken and Waffles restaurants, which she had given him control of. However, it appears that Hankerson used the restaurants as a means to line his own pockets – using Knight's name and image without permission.

To make matters worse, Hankerson was sentenced to two years in prison and an additional year of supervised release for failing to withhold payroll taxes from employees at the eateries. He was also ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution.

It seems that Hankerson has a history of using his mother's name and image for personal gain – which may have led him to feel entitled to speak out about her business dealings, including her relationship with McDowell. But Knight is clearly not having it, and she's fighting back against her son's allegations with every ounce of sass and sparkle she can muster!

Stay tuned for more updates on this juicy family feud as we continue to follow the drama unfolding!