Sad news has surfaced about R&B icon Gladys Knight, as her son, Shanga Hankerson, claims the 81-year-old singer is showing early signs of dementia. Hankerson is also accusing Knight’s husband, William McDowell, of elder abuse, alleging that he has been forcing her to perform despite her declining health.
In an exclusive interview with The Shade Room, Hankerson expressed deep concern for his mother’s well-being as she continues touring on the second leg of “The Queen’s Tour” alongside Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Stephanie Mills.
“I don’t want my mom out on tour on a tour bus, wondering where she’s at. I don’t want that for her,” Hankerson said. “That’s my mom, I truly love her. I 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.”
Hankerson states that he has filed a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Human Services and has recently contacted Adult Protective Services to investigate the situation.
He pointed to several troubling incidents suggesting cognitive decline, including a recent occurrence in Baltimore, where Knight allegedly wandered away from her hotel and became lost before a good Samaritan found her and contacted family members.
Hankerson also referenced alleged text messages from McDowell, claiming the singer suffers from Sundowner’s Syndrome, a condition often associated with dementia that causes confusion and disorientation in the late afternoon and evening.
According to Hankerson, there have been moments during live performances when Knight appeared disoriented on stage and even forgot lyrics, intensifying concerns about whether she should continue touring.
“I’m extremely concerned about how she is being handled right now,” Hankerson stated, accusing McDowell of “manipulating people” into believing Knight is fine when she is not.
As of now, neither Knight nor her husband has publicly addressed the allegations. The accusations have sparked widespread concern among fans, who regard Knight as an enduring icon and one of the most celebrated voices in R&B and soul—a legend whose career has spanned over six decades.
