Wendy Williams | Source: Getty Images
Wendy Williams’ health and financial situation are in crisis, with her guardian disclosing a significant update about her condition that has left netizens deeply concerned.
Television icon Wendy Williams has reportedly been declared “cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated” as she continues her battle with dementia and aphasia, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY. The news has left some fans curious about the circumstances leading to her condition.
A netizen’s comment on Wendy Williams’ health status, posted on November 26, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/TMZ
Attorneys for her legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, revealed the update in a recent filing, describing the 60-year-old TV show host’s cognitive decline as severe.
Wendy Williams celebrates 10 years of “The Wendy Williams Show” onstage at The Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 16, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Williams’ health struggles became public earlier this year. In February 2024, Williams’ care team issued a public statement to clarify rumors and share updates on her condition.
“As Wendy’s fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health,” the statement began.
Wendy Williams attends a private dinner at Fresco By Scotto in New York City on February 21, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Williams has been candid about her health challenges for years. In 2018, her representative disclosed that she had been managing Graves’ Disease and hyperthyroidism for a long time. During an unplanned hiatus at the time, her talk show aired repeat episodes as she focused on her recovery.
Wendy Williams is seen in New York City on July 13, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
In their February statement, Williams’s care team disclosed that she was officially diagnosed in 2023 with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), disorders that affect language, behavior, and cognitive abilities. Specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine identified the conditions following extensive medical tests.
According to the care team, early signs included “difficulty understanding financial transactions,” loss of words, and, at times, erratic behavior.
Wendy Williams at WBLS Radio in New York City on July 8, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Sharing the news was not an easy decision. “Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis,” the team shared.
Wendy Williams walks in SoHo, New York City, on February 27, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
The team emphasized the importance of early intervention and care for those affected, adding, “There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated.”
Wendy Williams speaks on stage at the Vulture Festival presented by AT&T in New York City on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the challenges, Williams remains involved in her care decisions. “Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed,” the care team concluded.
While Williams continues to navigate her health challenges, she has also faced financial difficulties tied to her condition.
Wendy Williams attends the ceremony honoring her with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in California on October 17, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
In January 2022, her bank, Wells Fargo, raised concerns about her ability to manage her finances, resulting in the court appointing Morrissey as her legal guardian. Morrissey now oversees Williams’ personal and financial affairs. To protect Williams’ privacy, Morrissey has requested the court seal sensitive details from the guardianship proceedings.
Wendy Williams attends the Apple TV+ “The Morning Show” World Premiere in New York City on October 28, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
“The proposed redactions are very narrowly drawn and do not undermine the public’s ability to understand the core facts and legal arguments at issue in this litigation or to otherwise monitor the federal courts’ execution of their judicial function,” Morrissey’s attorneys explained.
The challenges surrounding Williams’s health and finances have extended into legal disputes regarding the portrayal of her struggles.
Wendy Williams lights the Empire State Building in New York City to celebrate the ninth season of “The Wendy Williams Show” on September 18, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Morrissey has opposed the release of “Where Is Wendy Williams?”, a docuseries following Williams’ withdrawal from public life. She first attempted to block Lifetime from airing the series, but a court ruled in the network’s favor, citing free speech protections.
Wendy Williams visits the Sirius XM Studio in New York City on July 7, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
In her current lawsuit against A&E Television Networks and Lifetime Entertainment Services, Morrissey alleges the series exploited Williams’ health challenges for financial gain. Lifetime reportedly defended the project as a “raw, honest, and unfiltered reality” of Williams’ struggles, including her financial guardianship.
Wendy Williams attends the Resident Magazine celebration in New York City on April 12, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The documentary also highlighted the family’s frustration. “I think that the guardianship system is broken. We are her family and you tell me that I’m not capable of taking care of my sister—what would you do, what should I do,” Williams’s sister said.
Although Williams is credited as an executive producer, Morrissey argues she was not mentally capable of providing consent for the project. She has requested that profits from the series be redirected to cover Williams’ ongoing medical care.
Wendy Williams attends the Build Series to discuss her daytime talk show “The Wendy Williams Show” in New York City on April 17, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The news has led to an outpouring of prayers and support from fans, many of whom have shared their feelings online. “Man I hate to see anyone suffer from Dementia. It is truly a devastating disease, prayers for her and the family.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾,” a user said, while another simply wrote, “So young too.”
Someone else commented, “So Sad 😞 dementia is very terrible I enjoyed watching her shows I Pray for her quick recovery 🙏🏾 [sic].” A fourth remarked, “Heartbreaking WENDY WILL FOREVER BE MY favorite talkshow hosts ❤️🙌” [sic].”
Wendy Williams speaks to the audience at The Bryant Park Reading Room in New York City on May 15, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
More fans reacted with shock and sadness, struggling to grasp the rapid decline in Williams’ health. Some wondered how such a situation could happen to a prominent TV star while another highlighted the tragedy of her relatively young age.
A netizen’s reaction to Wendy Williams’ health status, posted on November 26, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/NYPost
Others focused on Williams’ humanity, expressing empathy despite the controversies of her career. Even casual viewers offered prayers and heartfelt support for her and her family during this challenging time.
A netizen’s remark on Wendy Williams’ health status, posted on November 26, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/TMZ
As Wendy Williams faces ongoing personal challenges, Morrissey remains dedicated to ensuring she receives the care and financial support she requires. Meanwhile, fans continue to celebrate her legacy as one of the most influential talk-show hosts of her generation.
