Family tensions flare as Shanga Hankerson accuses his stepfather of elder abuse, challenging Gladys Knight’s autonomy and sparking a legal battle.
Story Snapshot
- Shanga Hankerson has accused William McDowell of elder abuse against Gladys Knight.
- Knight, 81, has denied the allegations, insisting on her health and happiness.
- Knight’s representatives have threatened legal action against Hankerson for defamation.
- The North Carolina Department of Human Services is investigating the complaint.
Allegations of Elder Abuse and Legal Counteractions
Shanga Hankerson, son of soul legend Gladys Knight, has accused his stepfather, William McDowell, of mental and financial exploitation of Knight. Hankerson claims that McDowell is pressuring Knight to continue touring despite her age, potentially endangering her health. In response, Knight has publicly refuted these allegations, emphasizing her well-being and desire to remain active in her career. Her representatives have labeled Hankerson’s claims as defamatory and are considering legal action.
Gladys Knight speaks out after son accuses her much-younger husband of elder abuse https://t.co/8jXBTppip8
— ConservativeLibrarian (@ConserLibrarian) August 18, 2025
Background and Family Dynamics
Gladys Knight, a renowned soul artist with a career spanning over seven decades, married William McDowell in 2001. McDowell, who is 33 years younger, has been an active supporter of Knight’s career. The allegations emerge amid complex family dynamics, with Hankerson’s relationship with Knight reportedly strained. Hankerson, concerned for his mother’s health, has filed a complaint with North Carolina’s Department of Human Services, seeking intervention in what he perceives as a precarious situation for Knight.
The public dispute has amplified scrutiny on elder care within celebrity circles, highlighting the challenges of balancing career and health in later life. Knight’s continued touring into her eighties has been a point of contention, particularly in light of her son’s concerns regarding her memory and overall well-being.
Public and Legal Repercussions
Knight, who is scheduled to resume her tour in September, remains firm in her statements of health and happiness, aiming to reassure fans and critics alike. The ongoing investigation by the Department of Human Services is yet to yield conclusions, leaving the family in a state of uncertainty. This case underscores the complexities of elder care and autonomy in high-profile families, sparking broader discussions on how such issues should be managed within the entertainment industry.
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