**At 81, Gladys Knight Reflects on the Five Men She Hated Most**

Gladys Knight, the legendary Empress of Soul, has lived a life filled with triumphs, heartbreaks, and unforgettable moments. At 81 years old, she has decided to open up about the five men who left the deepest scars on her heart—men she once loved, trusted, or admired, but who ultimately brought pain and disillusionment.

This revelation isn’t just about naming names; it’s a powerful story of resilience, growth, and the price of fame.

Gladys Knight’s journey has been one of extraordinary highs and devastating lows. Her voice built an empire, yet her personal life was marked by betrayal, loss, and emotional survival.

Through candid interviews and reflective moments, she reveals the relationships that shaped her life—both positively and negatively. These five men represent chapters in her life, each with its own lessons about love, trust, and the strength it takes to move forward.

The first man on her list is Jimmy Newman, her first husband and love. Their relationship began when Gladys was young and her singing career was still in its infancy. Jimmy was gentle and supportive, but as Gladys’s career soared, the cracks in their relationship began to show.

Jimmy struggled with her growing fame and eventually disappeared from her life without a word, leaving her to raise their child alone. The pain of being abandoned during a time of personal and professional growth left a lasting mark on Gladys. She admits that her hatred for Jimmy isn’t rooted in malice but in the silent betrayal of someone who once claimed to love her.

Barry Hankerson, her second husband and the father of her son, is another name on her list. Their marriage was fraught with tension, as Barry’s controlling nature and manipulative tactics turned their relationship into a battlefield. The custody battle over their son was particularly painful for Gladys, as Barry used every vulnerability against her.

She recalls the humiliation of having to prove her worth as a mother in court, all while navigating the pressures of her career. Barry’s actions left her feeling betrayed not just as a wife but as a mother, making him one of the men she could never forgive.

Les Brown, a motivational speaker and her third husband, represents a different kind of heartbreak. Their relationship lacked the emotional depth Gladys needed, as Les’s charisma often overshadowed genuine connection.

She describes their marriage as shallow, marked by a lack of understanding and warmth. Despite their success as a power couple, Gladys felt isolated and invisible, leading her to quietly resent the relationship.

David Ruffin, the charismatic lead singer of The Temptations, is another man who left a painful legacy in Gladys’s life. Their brief but intense relationship was marked by manipulation and emotional turmoil.

David’s charm masked a chaotic and unpredictable nature, leaving Gladys feeling insignificant and doubting herself. The betrayal and emotional games he played made her vow never to repeat such a toxic relationship.

Finally, Norman Whitfield, a producer at Motown, represents professional betrayal rather than romantic heartbreak. Norman’s decision to allow Marvin Gaye to re-record “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” a song Gladys and the Pips had poured their hearts into, left her feeling sidelined and undervalued.

Though she doesn’t hate Norman in the traditional sense, she resents the way her artistry was treated as a commodity rather than a deeply personal expression.

Gladys Knight’s reflections on these men aren’t about holding onto bitterness; they’re about sharing the lessons she’s learned and the strength she’s gained. Her story is a testament to the resilience required to navigate a world that often silences women, especially Black women, and the courage it takes to reclaim your voice.

At 81, Gladys Knight continues to inspire, not just with her music but with her truth—a reminder that pain can lead to purpose and healing.