Following the release of Lifetime’s documentary Where is Wendy Williams?, there has been growing concern over the former talk show host’s health, with troubling new developments emerging regarding her condition. According to a court filing made by Wendy’s legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, it has been confirmed that the 60-year-old TV personality’s health has significantly deteriorated, with her cognitive abilities severely impacted.
Morrissey’s legal team described Williams as an acclaimed entertainer who, tragically, has been afflicted by early-onset dementia, and as a result, has become cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated.”
The documentary provided a rare, intimate look into Wendy Williams’ ongoing battle with her health, particularly her struggles with dementia, which her guardian had previously tried to prevent from being aired. Morrissey filed a restraining order in an attempt to stop Lifetime from releasing the documentary, but the request was swiftly denied by an appellate judge. The court ruled that blocking the documentary would violate the First Amendment, as it would impose an unjustifiable restriction on freedom of speech.
Fans of Williams, who once followed her outspoken and bold presence on The Wendy Williams Show, had hoped for a potential return to television. However, given these recent revelations, her return now seems increasingly unlikely. Many viewers have expressed concerns that the documentary, which includes behind the scenes footage, was an intrusion on Wendy’s privacy, especially considering her mental and physical condition at the time of filming. This sentiment is echoed by Sabrina Morrissey, who has argued in court that the extensive filming may have been conducted without Williams’ full comprehension or consent.
In the court filing, Morrissey’s team highlights that Wells Fargo took unusual steps in January 2022 after noticing disturbing trends concerning Wendy’s health and finances. In what could be seen as a precautionary move, the bank initiated a guardianship proceeding in New York, asking the court to appoint an independent guardian to oversee Wendy’s financial affairs. The filing further requested that certain private details, including those about Wendy’s health and family relationships, be kept confidential to protect her privacy.
Reports also claim that Wendy was diagnosed with alcohol-related brain damage in 2019, during a rehab stint in Delray Beach, Florida. This diagnosis was confirmed after Wendy underwent a brain scan as part of her rehabilitation. The neurologist who reviewed the scan reportedly explained to Wendy’s family that her alcohol consumption had taken a significant toll on her brain, leading to what has been described as “alcohol-induced dementia.” Wendy’s son, Kevin Hunter Jr., spoke publicly about his mother’s diagnosis during the documentary, stating that the medical team’s assessment pointed to the long term effects of alcohol on her cognitive function.
Despite these serious challenges, Wendy’s team maintained that she was receiving the care necessary to support her wellbeing. They emphasized that the star still maintained her trademark sense of humor and was being looked after to ensure that her needs were met in a safe and protective environment.
Earlier this year, Wendy’s brother, Tommy Williams, shared that his sister’s health had improved. In an interview with US Weekly, Tommy revealed that Wendy had been receiving care at an undisclosed treatment facility and was beginning to show signs of recovery. “When I speak to Wendy, she sounds fine,” Tommy said, expressing optimism about his sister’s condition. “She has made a substantial amount of improvement. It’s dialogue, conversation, topics, content, speech patterns—everything. She’s sounding more like herself.”
However, Tommy’s feelings about his sister’s guardian have been less than positive. In a candid interview with NewsNation, he expressed discomfort about Sabrina Morrissey’s role in Wendy’s life. Tommy mentioned hearing “a lot of different things about the character” of Morrissey and shared his concerns about the level of control she had over Wendy’s affairs. “The whole thing just makes me uncomfortable,” Tommy said. “I just want Wendy back, and the whole family does too. If Sabrina is in any way responsible for Wendy not being able to return, then that’s a real issue.”
As Wendy Williams continues to face health challenges, the ongoing legal battles and family concerns cast a shadow over her once-thriving career. It remains unclear what the future holds for the former talk show host, but for now, it is evident that her condition is more serious than many had hoped. The emotional toll of these struggles is not only felt by Wendy, but also by her loved ones, who are navigating a difficult road as they work to ensure her care and privacy are prioritized.
