Gladys Knight: Family Accuses Husband of Elder Abuse Amid Fears for Legendary Singer’s Health

She is a living legend, a voice of power and grace who carried rhythm and blues into the hearts of millions. For over 70 years, Gladys Knight has been celebrated as the “Empress of Soul,” earning seven Grammy Awards, selling millions of records, and cementing her place as one of the greatest vocalists in American music history.

But now, shocking allegations have surfaced — not about her music, but about her well-being. Her own son, Shanga Hankerson, has filed a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services in North Carolina, accusing Knight’s husband of elder abuse and manipulation.

This unfolding family drama could become one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking stories the music industry has ever seen.

A Son’s Plea: “I Don’t Want My Mom Wandering on a Tour Bus”

In a tearful interview, Hankerson revealed that his mother privately told him years ago: “If I’m ever unable to do this anymore, you have to be the one to stop it.” Now, he says, that moment has come.

“She’s out on tour, performing every night, when her cognitive health is declining,” Hankerson told The Shade Room Investigates. “I don’t want my mom out on a tour bus wondering where she’s at. This has to stop.”

According to Hankerson, Knight’s longtime husband, William McDow — to whom she has been married since 2001 — has been pressuring her to keep performing, ignoring signs of decline, and controlling access to her.

The Complaint: Elder Abuse Allegations

In July, Hankerson drove from Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina, where Knight lives, to file a formal complaint with the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services. The complaint accuses McDow of exploiting his mother’s fame, forcing her into grueling tour schedules despite her alleged struggles with memory loss, disorientation, and possible neurological decline.

Buncombe County officials cited privacy laws and declined to confirm the investigation. But the seriousness of the allegations — and the detail in Hankerson’s claims — has ignited alarm among Knight’s fans and the wider music community.

Disturbing Incidents: Forgetting Lyrics and Wandering Hotels

Rumors about Knight’s health have circulated online for months, with fans posting videos of her appearing to forget lyrics on stage or pause awkwardly during performances.

Her son says it’s worse than the public realizes. “The band had to play extra bars because she zoned out,” Hankerson recalled. “They’re rewinding teleprompters because she forgets to look at them.”

Even more alarming was an incident in Baltimore, where Knight allegedly left her hotel late at night and wandered into another hotel across town. According to Hankerson, she was unable to answer basic questions from staff — who she was, why she was there, or whom they could call.

Only when an employee recognized her and contacted her daughter was she safely returned.

A Troubled Family Dynamic

Gladys Knight’s family relationships have long been complicated. Her son Shanga himself has a history of legal troubles — he once served time for tax issues related to his failed restaurant, “Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles.” Knight later sued him to remove her name and likeness from the business, a lawsuit she won.

But Hankerson insists this is not about money or revenge. “People will say I’m sabotaging her tour. I don’t care,” he said bluntly. “Yes, I’m sabotaging it. Because I don’t want my mom working another second while she’s alive if it’s pushing her toward an early departure.”

The Husband’s Role: Protector or Manipulator?

At the center of this storm is William McDow, Knight’s husband of nearly 25 years and, reportedly, her manager.

Hankerson claims McDow has inserted himself between Knight and her children, often preventing them from speaking to her alone. He accuses McDow of manipulating her into believing she must keep working, while isolating her from family support.

Text messages obtained by The Shade Room show McDow urging Hankerson to stop “sending cops and social services people” to the house, insisting that Gladys is “happy, loved, and wants peace.” He also admitted she has Sundowner Syndrome — a condition linked to confusion and memory problems in the late afternoon and evening.

The Signs of Decline

The warning signs, Hankerson says, were there years ago. He recalls his mother struggling to form sentences when she appeared at his court sentencing.

“She couldn’t form coherent thoughts,” he said. “That’s when I realized something was wrong.”

Friends and longtime colleagues have also noticed changes. Knight’s road manager, Larry Ward, reportedly broke down in tears when describing the difficulties of working with her in recent years.

A Legacy at Stake

For Hankerson, the fight is about more than family disagreements — it’s about protecting the legacy of one of America’s most treasured artists.

“She’s worked 70 years of her life for this,” he said. “Her legacy should be respected. Not exploited.”

The allegations, if true, cast a shadow over the remarkable career of a woman who gave the world timeless hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Neither One of Us.”

The Road Ahead: Investigation and Silence

As of now, McDow has not publicly responded to the abuse allegations. He did not return calls or messages from reporters. Buncombe County DHS will not comment on active or potential investigations.

What is clear is that Knight’s family remains deeply divided. Some insist she is being cared for and happy, while others believe she is being used until her final breath.

Conclusion: The Empress of Soul in Crisis

Gladys Knight is more than an R&B legend — she is a cultural treasure. But as her family feud erupts into public view, the world is left asking: Is the Empress of Soul in danger behind the spotlight?

For fans, the thought is almost unthinkable. But for her son, it’s a painful reality. “This is my mom,” Hankerson says. “I love her. And I will not let her be exploited.”

Whether his allegations prove true or not, one thing is certain: Gladys Knight’s voice may have defined an era, but her legacy now hangs in the balance of a bitter family battle that could define her final chapter.