Wendy Williams’ ongoing battle with early-onset dementia has worsened, according to court documents filed by her legal guardian. The former talk show host, best known for The Wendy Williams Show, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive condition that has left her “cognitively impaired, permanently disabled, and legally incapacitated,” her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina E. Morrissey, stated.
The latest updates on Williams’ health come as Morrissey continues a legal fight against A&E Television Networks, Lifetime Entertainment, and other media affiliates involved in the production and release of Where Is Wendy Williams?, a documentary series that delves into Williams’ personal life, including her guardianship, health struggles, and life after her talk show.
Allegations of Exploitation and Unapproved Filming
In legal documents obtained by What’s Trending, Morrissey alleges that the media companies behind the docuseries filmed Williams without a valid contract and released the series without her consent. The lawsuit claims that the producers knowingly took advantage of Williams’ vulnerable state, exploiting her for profit without regard for her well-being.
“FTD is a progressive disease, meaning there is no cure and symptoms only worsen over time,” the filing reads. “This case arises from the deliberately calculated actions of powerful media companies working together with a producer to exploit Wendy Williams.”
Morrissey’s legal team argues that Williams was in no condition to consent to being filmed or participate in the project. The documents further describe Williams as being in a “highly vulnerable” state during the filming, unable to comprehend the situation or make informed decisions.
In addition to the claims of exploitation, Morrissey is requesting that the court approve “narrowly applied redactions” to protect Williams’ privacy, particularly concerning her health, family relationships, and finances. The goal is to preserve the TV personality’s dignity amid the ongoing public scrutiny of her medical condition.
Williams’ Health Struggles and Public Statements
Williams, 60, has faced a series of health challenges over the past few years, including Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and alcohol abuse. In February 2024, her medical team confirmed that she had been diagnosed with both progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. These diagnoses have already presented significant obstacles in her life, according to her medical team, but they have also underscored the severity of her cognitive decline.
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Despite her challenges, Williams’ medical team emphasized that she still maintains a sense of humor and is receiving the care she needs. “Wendy is still able to do many things for herself,” the team said in a statement. “She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”
Williams herself addressed the public after the release of her diagnosis, thanking fans for their overwhelming support. “The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion,” she said. “I hope that others with FTD may benefit from my story… I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive.”
Legal and Family Controversies
The legal battle over Where Is Wendy Williams? is not the only controversy surrounding the former talk show host. When Williams’ guardianship was first established in April 2022, her family claimed they were kept in the dark about her health condition and her placement in a care facility. Her sister, Wanda Finnie, revealed that the family had not been informed about Williams’ diagnosis until it was publicly revealed in 2024. Finnie expressed concern about the system that placed Williams under Morrissey’s guardianship, questioning whether the system was truly better than the one her family could have put in place.
“How did she go from this aunt or sister that we love and is healthy one minute to this person who’s in and out of the hospital?” Finnie asked. “How is that system better than the system the family could put in place? I don’t know. I do know that this system is broken. I hope that at some point, Wendy becomes strong enough where she can speak on her own behalf.”
Public Appearances and Support from Family
In August 2024, Williams was seen out in public for the first time in over a year. She was accompanied by her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., at a holistic store in Newark, New Jersey. The sighting provided a rare glimpse of the former TV personality, who has had limited public appearances in recent months.
Meanwhile, her family remains hopeful for Williams’ recovery, with her son and others expressing continued support despite the ongoing guardianship. As Williams marks her 60th birthday, sources close to her say the family is “rooting for her” and remains optimistic about her future, despite the challenges posed by her condition.
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As Williams continues to navigate the complexities of her health diagnosis and legal battles, her story remains a poignant reminder of the vulnerability that comes with cognitive decline. For now, her supporters and loved ones are left to contend with the difficult balance between public scrutiny, personal privacy, and the ongoing fight for her well-being.
