Gladys Knight’s health struggles explored as singer denies son’s allegations against her husband of two decades

Actress and singer Gladys Knight’s son, Shanga Hankerson, raised certain allegations against Knight’s husband, William McDowell, concerning her health. Speaking to The Shade Room, Shanga said he lodged a complaint with officials alleging William of elder abuse.

Following the accusations, Knight shared an exclusive statement with People Magazine, claiming that she was doing good health-wise.

According to Distractify, in 2018, during a conversation with a media outlet, the singer said that she and Aretha Franklin shared the same disease. Although Knight did not specify the name of the disease at the time, it was known that Franklin died from pancreatic cancer. Later, sharing a statement with Us Weekly, she said,

“I’d like to clarify that Aretha and I discussed both of us having cancer, mine was stage I breast cancer and hers was pancreatic. Due to early detection, I am cancer-free and grateful for that.”

Gladys Knight went on,

“It is unfortunate that on a day we should be celebrating Aretha’s life and massive contribution to our world, a reporter who did not relay accurate information has missed the message. I send my love to the entire Franklin family and my gratitude to them for sharing such an extraordinary person with us.”

What happened to Gladys Knight during her Florida performance?

Earlier in March 2025, the singer was slated to perform in Florida, but it was cancelled as she became ill backstage. Following that, the singer shared an Instagram post, announcing that she was doing well and that she had the flu. She wrote,

“Hi my loves! I have that flu that is going around and am already feeling better. I’ll see everyone real soon and appreciate the good wishes.”

During her time on Dancing With the Stars, Gladys Knight said she lost weight as she followed a strict practice schedule.

What did Gladys Knight’s publicist say about Hankerson’s claims?

In her statement to People Magazine, Gladys Knight said she was sad over the wrong information about her health and shows. She explained that she was healthy, happy, and had been spending time with friends and family. She shared that she was excited to start touring again with her sisters and join The Queens Tour on stage.

The outlet notes that Shanga Hankerson said he tried to let McDowell take on the role of husband and care for his mom, but he felt McDowell didn’t do that. He wondered why his mom was still working and why she thought she had to. He also claimed that McDowell had treated his mom badly, both mentally and financially.

Laura Herlovich, publicist for Gladys Knight, said Hankerson’s claims were upsetting, as he had had no contact with the singer in recent months. Per a statement, Herlovich claimed,

“She has not been on tour since June 1 and can't wait to begin touring again in September. At this time our lawyers have no choice but to explore any and all legal remedies due to Shanga's defamatory comments.”

In one of his allegations, Hankerson claimed that he would do everything to take care of Gladys Knight and would take legal action against McDowell if he had the right support to do so. He explained that it was not about money for him, but about trying to get his mother to stop working.

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