Nationwide — Gladys Knight’s son, Shanga Hankerson, says his mother has early dementia and has accused her husband, William McDowell, of elder abuse. He claims McDowell is making her continue touring despite her declining health.
Hankerson filed a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Human Services, saying his mother’s ongoing performances on “The Queen’s Tour” are taking a toll. He believes McDowell is downplaying her struggles while she shares the stage with Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Stephanie Mills.
He pointed to a concert last summer when Knight allegedly zoned out and forgot to sing her part. He also said her personality has shifted over the past few years, changing from calm and gentle to more aggressive, especially when confused about her location or her husband’s whereabouts.
“She’s being made to think that she needs to work, and what that means is that he’s not going to be present with her,” Hankerson said, according to The Root.
Hankerson recalled an incident last year when Knight wandered from her hotel and ended up across town. Staff recognized her but noticed she couldn’t clearly explain why she was there. They contacted her daughter, who reached out to longtime road manager Larry Ward for help.
Since filing the complaint, Hankerson says he has received several text messages from McDowell. In one, McDowell insisted Knight is “happy and loved” and asked for peace. In another, he warned that involving police or social services could harm what Knight is “trying to maintain.”
McDowell also allegedly told Hankerson that Knight has “Sundowner’s Syndrome,” which can cause confusion in the evenings. But Hankerson claims the family has been kept in the dark about her medical visits and overall condition.
Hankerson insists he isn’t trying to sabotage the tour. He says he simply doesn’t want his mother traveling and performing in her state.
“That’s my mom, I truly love her. And don’t care about her ever working a second longer while she’s alive. The direction that she’s going in is pushing her to her departure, and I don’t want to see that,” he said.
