Gladys Knight is clearing the air about her health.
The 81-year-old singer is currently touring with fellow musical legends Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills. Her son, Shanga Hankerson, claims that Gladys is being “emotionally and financially” abused and forced to perform by her husband.
Now, Gladys is breaking her silence and sharing an update on her health. According to the singer, she’ “happy and healthy” and her son’s accusations have no weight to them.
Keep reading to find out more…
Shanga previously told The Shade Room that Gladys is in no state to be performing, claiming that she was “zoned out” on the stage. He went on to accuse Gladys‘ husband, William McDowell, of forcing her to continue performing despite this.
Gladys responded to these claims in a statement to PEOPLE in which she insisted that Shanga‘s claims were entirely false.
“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?” Gladys said in the statement, saying that her health has been “misrepresented” to her fans. “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.”
A spokesperson for Gladys also told PEOPLE that Shanga and his mother have not been in contact recently.
If you didn’t know, there’s speculation that another musical superstar is getting ready for a big performance!