Watch: Denise Richards Accuses Aaron Phypers of Physical Abuse, Granted Restraining Order Amid SplitGladys Knight is shutting down what she's heard through the grapevine. After the "Midnight Train to Georgia" singer's son Shanga Hankerson accused her husband William McDowell of mentally and financially abusing her, she assured fans that she's OK. "I'm sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented," Knight told People in a statement published Aug. 15.