Gladys Knight’s Son Accuses Her Husband William McDowell Of Elder Abuse

Shanga Hankerson, Glady Knight‘s son, believes the 81-year-old singer is showing signs of cognitive decline. Additionally, he believes her husband, William McDowell, is abusing the singer, forcing her to perform despite her condition Hankerson says he’s been kept from speaking to his mom and has now gone to the Department of Human Services for help. Gladys Knight has been married to William McDowell for nearly 25 years. Notably, their family dynamic has reportedly been “rocky over the years,” most recently with Hankerson accusing Dowell of manipulating others into believing his mother is fit for continued performances. Per Carter, Knight has made headlines for reportedly forgetting lyrics and taking long pauses while on stage. In addition, Hankerson even says that Knight’s longtime road manager, Larry Ward, broke down in tears seemingly over his mother’s apparent deterioration during a conversation in 2024. “The band played about two or three extra bars,” Hankerson explained to Carter, recalling him watching his mother perform on one occasion. “And she zoned out. The background singer started singing… and that brought her back. They’re having to rewind the teleprompters because my mom is forgetting to even look at them. According to Carter, William McDowell became the singer’s manager shortly after their marriage in 2001. In the years that followed, Hankerson says he believes McDowell intruded on his and his mom’s relationship. In addition, he says that his mom’s “angelic” personality has turned more aggressive“ Not knowing where she is, not knowing where William is, is a big [trigger] for her, and that’s my biggest issue because he manipulates that to the fullest and not in a good way… She’s being made to think that she needs to work,” Hankerson told Carter.

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