Gladys Knight's Son Shanga Hankerson Drops Concerning Claims About Icon's Well-Being in Bombshell Revelation – Details

The "Missing You" singer's son has accused her husband of elder abuse, alleging the soul legend is being overworked despite signs of declining cognitive health.

Shanga Hankerson says he has taken legal action to protect his mother, Gladys Knight, by filing a complaint with North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services against her husband, William McDowell.

In remarks reported by "The Shade Room," Hankerson alleges McDowell has pushed the 81-year-old to keep touring while concealing her cognitive struggles from the public. Knight is scheduled to perform alongside Chaka Khan, Stephanie Mills, and Patti LaBelle in the next leg of her tour.

Hankerson claims his mother's once "angelic" demeanor has shifted to "aggressive" in recent years, often when she is unsure of her surroundings or McDowell's whereabouts — situations he says her husband exploits.

He described one alarming incident in which Knight became disoriented, left her hotel, and entered another across town. When approached by staff, she was reportedly unable to answer questions about who she was, whether she was a guest, or who could be contacted on her behalf.

Hankerson also said McDowell texted him, stating Knight has "sundowning," a set of dementia-related symptoms. According to the Alzheimer's Association, sundowning can cause late-day confusion, disorientation, agitation, anxiety, and sleep problems.

The organization notes it is not a disease but a group of behaviors often linked to Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.