TV Host Wendy Williams Trapped In Strict Legal Control


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In 2022, Wendy Williams voluntarily entered a guardianship arrangement to safeguard her finances while dealing with health challenges. However, the situation has evolved into something more concerning, with Williams and those close to her expressing fears that court-appointed guardian Sabrina Morrissey is exercising excessive control over the television personality’s life, drawing parallels to Britney Spears’ conservatorship battle.

Speaking on “The Breakfast Club” podcast, Williams, now 60, expressed her frustration with the arrangement. “I am not cognitively impaired, you know what I’m saying? But I feel like I’m in prison,” she stated, pushing back against reports questioning her mental capacity.

Williams’ journey to this point has been tumultuous. Her successful daytime talk show, which launched in 2008, made headlines for its controversial moments and candid discussions. However, concerns about her well-being emerged in 2017 when she fainted on air during a Halloween episode. She later faced personal challenges, including her husband’s infidelity and subsequent divorce, along with substance abuse treatment in 2019.

By 2021, Williams had filmed her final show episode, though the program continued without her until its cancellation in 2022. During this period, she reportedly struggled to accept the show’s end, repeatedly questioning executives about its cancellation.

Health issues continued to mount. In 2022, Williams received diagnoses of Lymphedema and Graves’ Disease. That May, following Wells Fargo’s petition to the court describing her as an “incapacitated person,” a New York judge established the guardianship.

LaShawn Thomas, Williams’ former attorney, suggests she might not have fully comprehended the implications of the arrangement. The restrictions have proven severe, with Williams currently residing in a New York City facility where her communications are limited and her internet access is restricted.

Recent observations suggest Williams may be capable of greater independence. Loren LoRosa from “The Breakfast Club,” who visited Williams at her current residence, noted significant improvements in her cognitive function and communication abilities.

Questions have arisen about the guardianship’s establishment. A March 2022 complaint to the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights reveals concerns about unauthorized medical information disclosure that reportedly influenced the guardianship proceedings.

In early 2024, Williams’ team disclosed additional diagnoses of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. A subsequent Lifetime documentary sparked legal action from Morrissey, who claims the production took advantage of Williams’ vulnerable state.

Public support for Williams has grown, with a GoFundMe campaign titled “Support Wendy Williams’ Fight for Independence” raising over $13,000 toward a $50,000 goal under the hashtag #FreeWendy.

A former acquaintance of Williams describes her as someone who has always approached life uniquely, noting that while the current situation raises concerns, Williams has consistently maintained her distinctive personality and perspective.