Wendy Williams refutes claims of 'cognitive impairment' and asserts she's 'confined by a conservatorship'
Wendy Williams is vigorously contesting allegations of being impaired following her diagnosis of progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. The erstwhile talk-show luminary engaged in conversation with "The Breakfast Club" on Thursday, refuting claims about the necessity of her current level of care. Charlamagne tha God, a co-host who Williams mentioned she has known for two decades, introduced her, suggesting that Williams is "being exploited."
"I am not cognitively impaired," Williams asserted. "Yet, I do feel like I am incarcerated."
Williams detailed that she resides in a place predominantly occupied by individuals in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. At 60, she considers herself "alluring and gorgeous." Despite the age demographic of her fellow residents, she noted, "There's something amiss with these individuals on this floor."
Williams’ representatives disclosed last year that she was diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023. These conditions can compromise cognitive abilities, communication, and speech, as noted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
In her extensive dialogue with "The Breakfast Club," Williams vented her exasperation over the facility's restrictive policies, which inhibit leaving or receiving visitors.
"You can't even step out for a walk if desired," Williams lamented.
Her niece, Alex Fannie, joined the conversation, describing her aunt's situation as akin to a "luxury prison."
"She's confined to the same room daily, every hour, lacking adequate sunlight," Fannie said. "I visited her in New York in October. The level of scrutiny regarding my identity and purpose was appalling."
Fannie indicated that her aunt is barred from contacting family, friends, or accessing the internet.
Williams expressed feeling "ensnared in a conservatorship," enduring solitary birthdays, equating it to "emotional maltreatment."
In 2022, Williams was placed under a court-mandated financial guardianship. CNN has contacted her legal guardian, attorney Sabrina Morrissey, for her remarks.
Roberta Kaplan, another of Williams’ legal representatives, affirmed her client's need for care, stating, "Wendy Williams suffers from frontal lobe dementia, a progressive brain ailment with no cure. Consequently, a state court deemed her legally incapacitated, unable to manage legal and financial decisions independently." Kaplan added, "Regrettably, due to her diagnosis, Wendy's condition will only deteriorate, necessitating lifelong care. But as many with a relative afflicted by dementia understand, Wendy experiences both positive and challenging days. The current voyeuristic focus is truly unfortunate."
From 2008 to 2022, Williams hosted the popular "The Wendy Williams Show," confronting numerous health challenges in later years. She fainted during a 2017 episode, attributing it to an electrolyte imbalance. In 2018, she took medical leave to address Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition, as per her doctor’s advice. In 2019, several guest hosts substituted for Williams as she recuperated from a fractured shoulder.
During the 2021-2022 season, Williams was unable to host her show, leading to its eventual cancellation.
Finnie critiqued the conservatorship arrangement, questioning whether a recent medical assessment might restore some autonomy to her aunt.
"I'm not asking for much," Fannie said. "I simply request that the woman be treated with respect. And granted the liberties she rightfully deserves.
