During a recent appearance on “The Breakfast Club” radio show, former talk show host Wendy Williams denied claims made by her guardian that she is cognitively impaired. Tearfully, she described her current situation as feeling like she is in a “luxury prison,” with limited contact with her family. Williams, who retired in 2022, refuted reports about her mental capacity during the show, stating, “I am not cognitively impaired.” She emotionally shared details of her daily life, expressing feelings of isolation and confinement in her surroundings.
Williams’ niece, Florida news anchor Alex Finnie, also spoke on the show and echoed her aunt’s sentiments, referring to the place in New York where Williams is residing as a “luxury prison.” Both Williams and Finnie described the strict security measures in place at Williams’ living space, where visitors require permission from her guardian to enter. NBC News reached out to Williams’ guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, for a response to Williams’ claims on the radio show.
In 2024, Williams’ team disclosed that she had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in the previous year. These conditions affect her communication abilities and brain function. Williams has been open about her past struggles with addiction and Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder.
Morrissey had previously stated in a court filing that Williams was “cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated,” as part of a legal battle surrounding the release of the docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?” A&E Television Networks and Lifetime Entertainment Services had countersued Morrissey, alleging that the series included criticism of her guardianship.
The legal dispute continues in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Williams’ attorney did not provide an immediate response to NBC News’ request for comment. On the radio show, Charlamagne tha God mentioned the claims of cognitive impairment against Williams, to which she responded, “Do I see.”
In response to concerns regarding her well-being, Wendy Williams recently expressed her desire to be with her son in Miami while discussing the challenges she faces under the current guardianship system. The popular television host opened up about her struggles during a segment on her show, prompting a heartfelt discussion among her colleagues.
Describing the guardianship system as “broken,” Williams shared her emotional turmoil at the thought of not being able to visit her father in Florida for his upcoming 94th birthday. She questioned whether she would be allowed to fly to Miami to celebrate the occasion with her family, expressing her fears of missing out on precious moments with her loved ones. The uncertainty surrounding her ability to be present for her father’s birthday weighed heavily on her, highlighting the poignant reality that time with loved ones is never guaranteed, especially as they grow older.
In light of these challenges, calls have been made for the public to rally behind Williams and advocate for her well-being. The hashtag #FreeWendy has gained traction on social media, along with a Change.org petition aimed at garnering support for her cause. Williams’ niece, Finnie, emphasized the importance of raising awareness and making noise to ensure that her aunt is able to live her life with dignity and autonomy.
Finnie spoke passionately about Williams’ situation, underscoring the disconnect between her aunt’s true self and the portrayal of her as an incapacitated individual. Expressing admiration for Williams’ resilience and spirit, Finnie stressed the need for continued efforts to support her in reclaiming her independence and agency.
Reflecting on her limited interactions with Williams, Finnie acknowledged the strength and vibrancy she observed in her aunt, noting that the current narrative surrounding her did not align with the reality she had witnessed. By amplifying Williams’ voice and advocating for her rights, Finnie and others hope to shed light on the importance of preserving her dignity and autonomy in the face of adversity.
As the discussion surrounding Williams’ well-being continues to unfold, it serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in guardianship systems. Through collective action and unwavering support, there is hope that Williams will be able to navigate these obstacles and reclaim her right to live life on her own terms, surrounded by the love and care of her family and friends.
