Gladys Knight's Son: Won't Remove Mom's Name From Restaurant

ATLANTA, GA — Shanga Hankerson, who is under federal investigation for tax evasion and theft, is refusing to remove the name of his mother from the restaurant Gladys Knight Chicken and Waffles.

Knight filed a federal lawsuit early in September to remove her name from the restaurant. Now, according to the Daily Mail, Hankerson is moving to block her attempt, saying she lacks the mental capacity to revoke their licensing deal.

The development is the latest in the wake of a June 2016 raid by the Georgia Department of Revenue on the restaurant. Hankerson is accused of failing to pay sales and withholding taxes of more than $650,000 and using the money for personal use. With penalties and interest, Hankerson is said to owe more than $1 million.

See also:

• Gladys Knight Suing Her Son's Restaurant
• Gladys Knight's Son Targeted in Raid

Knight's lawsuit claims the restaurant is using her trademark without her permission. The licensing deal between the family members lasted 10 years but expired in 2009.

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