Gladys Knight’s son she is showing signs of dementia and he accused her much younger husband of abusing her. But Gladys assured her fans she is “happy and healthy” in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.
Gladys, 81, has been on The Queens Tour since May with fellow R&B legends Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills.
Gladys’ son Shanga Hankerson claims she is showing signs of dementia, and that her busy touring schedule was “detrimental” to her health.
Gladys is pictured with her son Shanga at London Airport in 1983.
Shanga told PEOPLE that she is being forced to tour by her fourth husband, William McDowell, 61. Gladys and William have been married for 25 years. He co-wrote many of her recent songs.
Shanga said he filed a formal complaint with North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services, accusing William of exploiting his elderly mother.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Gladys denied th claims that she is cognitively impaired. The “Midnight Train to Georgia” singer said she has enjoyed her time on the road and is healthy.
“I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented,” she said in her statement. “I want my fans and those concerned to rest assured I am doing very well for someone who has been on stage for three quarters of a century. Hard to believe, right? I’m healthy and happy and visiting friends and family these last few months. I’m excited to get back on the road with my sisters and on stage with The Queens Tour. See you soon.”
But Shanga said his mother is on “cruise control” and doesn’t know where she is sometimes.
He said she has suffered from memory loss over the years.
“I did my best to give [McDowell] the space to play the role of husband and do what was in my mom’s best interest, and he has not done that,” Shanga, 49, said.
“Why is she working? Why is she in this situation where she’s being made to believe that she has to work like this? That’s really my issue with it.”
Shanga maintains that McDowell has been “mental[ly] and financial[ly]” abusive to his mother.
