Wendy Williams’ health has taken a turn for the worse.
In a new November 12 court filing obtained by People, attorneys for Williams’ guardian, Sabrina E. Morrissey, said that the former talk show host has become “cognitively impaired, permanently disabled, and legally incapacitated” from her dementia diagnosis.
Williams was diagnosed with primary aggressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023. Since May 2022, the Wendy Williams talk show host has been under a court-ordered guardianship that oversees her health and finances.
“This case arises from the brutally calculated, deliberate actions of powerful and cravenly opportunistic media companies working together with a producer to exploit [Williams] knowingly,” the documents read, referencing her diagnosis. “FTD is a progressive disease, meaning that there is no cure, and the symptoms only get worse over time.”
The update on William’s health comes amid Morrissey’s legal fight with A&E Television Networks, Lifetime Entertainment, and others involved in the docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?
The lawsuit accuses the media companies of exploiting an ailing Williams while in a vulnerable state, alleging they “filmed without a valid contract and released without guardian’s consent.”
“The defendants intentionally manipulated and goaded Williams to trigger strong emotional reactions and acquire embarrassing footage. Williams was highly vulnerable and clearly incapable of consenting to being filmed, much less humiliated and exploited,” the suit reads.
Morrisey is requesting court-approved redactions in the suit to protect the media personality’s privacy regarding her “health, familial relationships, and finances.”
Williams’ court-ordered guardianship started in April 2022 due to her ongoing health issues with Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and alcohol abuse. The talk show host was later placed in a care facility with alleged limited contact with her family.
In February, the TV personality was diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
According to a press release at the time, the 60-year-old TV personality received her diagnosis in 2023, and her conditions “had already presented significant hurdles” in her life.
“Wendy is still able to do many things for herself,” her medical team said in a statement.
“Most importantly, she maintains her trademark sense of humor and receives the care she requires to ensure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She appreciates the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”
Williams gave a statement to People later that day, saying she had “immense gratitude for the love and kind words” she’d received after sharing her diagnosis.
“Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming. 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. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.”
