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  • Wendy Williams calls her $25K-a-month assisted living facility a ‘dump’ amid guardianship

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    Wendy Williams has shed rare insight into her living situation at Coterie, her high-end assisted-living facility in Hudson Yards, New York City, where she reportedly resides on one floor. 

    Williams spoke to The Cut via phone from her memory care floor. Per the outlet, the memory care floor is locked, and she needs both permission from Coterie and her guardian if she wants to leave. She also is not allowed to have a cell phone, but her room has a landline that only makes outgoing calls. 

    Her friend and owner of the upscale Italian eatery Tucci in New York, Max Tucci, also spoke with the outlet, sharing that Williams describes the establishment to him as a “dump.”

    “This is, like, where billionaires send their grandmothers. But, you know,” he said before his tone became serious, “She doesn’t need it. Wendy doesn’t lie.” 

    During her phone interview, Williams asked the reporter who toured the facility, “Did you see the people? The elderly people? Why do I want to look at that? This is a f—-d-up situation. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked that I be moved from this floor.”

    Bach Mai and Wendy Williams attend the Bach Mai fashion show during New York Fashion Week, September 2025. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

    The former talk show host was placed under a court-appointed guardianship in 2022. In February 2024, Williams’s team announced she’d been diagnosed with both progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

    Williams has continued to deny that she has dementia.

    The Cut described the lobby of Coterie as having fresh lilies displayed and marble floors, with a tiered crystal waterfall chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The outlet also listed the amenities at the facility, which includes a 24/7 nursing staff. 

    Also, for residents able to participate, there is a private movie theater and a snack bar, a spa and a hair salon.

    Wendy Williams in a black patterned top looks up slightly and smiles

    Wendy Williams discussed her assisted-living condition in a rare phone interview. (Michael Tran/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

    WENDY WILLIAMS SAYS DIDDY ‘SINGLE-HANDEDLY’ TRIED TO RUIN HER CAREER, ‘ABOUT TIME’ HE’S IN JAIL

    According to the outlet, Williams has been in the assisted-living facility since 2023. 

    Williams remained out of the public eye, but in recent months, she has been making public appearances. Last month, Williams was seen out during New York Fashion Week.

    “Did you see the people? The elderly people? Why do I want to look at that?”

    — Wendy Williams

    “You know I’ve been out. So obviously I do go out,” Williams said of her outing. She also said that she’s been attending a “megachurch” in Brooklyn. 

    “It gives me faith and keeps me very well in touch with God and myself,” Williams said.

    Wendy Williams in a grey shirt with a shoulder cut out looks down and downcast on stage

    Wendy Williams is under court-ordered guardianship. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

    Williams initially began her stay on the facility’s third floor, which is described as having floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 35th Street. The bathrooms are all marble with heated flooring and assistance bars. 

    According to the outlet, a friend of Williams’ claimed that on her birthday in July, she went up to the facility’s penthouse restaurant and bar and got “hammered.” Shortly after, Williams was moved to the memory care unit.

    Williams told the outlet that a judge allowed her to have an iPad inside her “memory floor” studio suite, which is a 360 sq. ft unit, according to Coterie’s website.

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    Per the facility’s website, this unit runs for $25,800 per month. 

    According to The Cut, on top of paying for the unit, Williams’s estate is responsible for the guardianship lawyer fees, paying her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey’s fees and her lawyer fees, who is on retainer at $10,000 a month. 

    Wendy Williams Bach Mai NYFW

    Wendy Williams attended the Bach Mai Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week this September. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

    The Cut noted that lawyers were in court this year concerned about Williams’s finances. In 2024, Morrissey sold Williams’s 2,400-square-foot apartment, reportedly at a loss. They also noted that at some point, Morrissey rehomed her two cats. 

    Williams told the outlet that she uses her iPad to listen to her old radio show and stay up-to-date on news about herself.

    The Cut described the memory care unit in a bleak manner. The outlet said the floor smelled like Febreze. There aren’t any locks on the apartment doors and there aren’t stoves or refrigerators for residents “safety.” On this floor, there is a gym, where the reporter spotted Williams working out. She was on the treadmill, overlooking the city, wearing a black top, leggings, and her usual blonde wig. 

    “She looked good,” the reporter noted.

    Wendy Williams poses for portrait photo wearing khaki trench coat

    Wendy Williams is currently in an assisted-living situation. (Getty Images)

    The Cut mentioned the bombshell lawsuit Williams’s ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, filed on her behalf in June.

    According to the outlet, Hunter has alleged that Williams is competent and the judge dealing with the case is “crooked.” 

    Hunter called the guardianship “fraudulent bondage” and called for Sabrina Morrissey, Williams’ guardian, to be fired. The outlet noted that according to sealed court documents, Hunter had been receiving $37,500 per month in alimony from Williams for years.

    Wendy Williams and ex husband Kevin Hunter pose together

    Williams was married to Kevin Hunter for 21 years before they divorced in 2019 after she found out he fathered another child while they were married. (Getty Images)

    He allegedly had not collected that money since shortly before the guardianship proceeding began. Notably, the lawsuit was seeking $250 million in damages be split between him and Williams.

    On Oct, 9, TMZ reported that a judge ruled to throw out Hunter’s lawsuit. The outlet noted that there is room for Hunter to refile an amended complaint on his own behalf. 

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    Williams filed for divorce from Hunter in 2019 after she discovered he fathered another child. They were married for 21 years and share one son, Kevin Hunter Jr., 25.

    Wendy Williams and son Kevin Jr at Hollywood walk of fame

    Wendy has one son, Kevin Jr., with her ex-husband. (Getty Images)

    The Cut was able to get Williams’s son on the phone, and he explained that he’s trying to stay clear of any drama involving his mother. 

    “I’m really not trying to be too caught up in this. I’m trying to build, carve out my own path right now, away from everything. I just want her to get out of this. Because it’s not right,” he told the outlet.

    The Cut reported that in the coming weeks and months, a new medical report may be coming forward. 

    The judge overseeing the case could reaffirm the guardianship, ease up on the restrictions, rule that Morrissey should be replaced or remove it all together. Sources told the outlet that removing the guardianship is unlikely.

    Fox News Digital has reached out to Coterie for comment.

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  • Lawsuit Alleged A&E Humiliated Wendy Williams in Controversial Documentary – 247 News Around The World

    Lawsuit Alleged A&E Humiliated Wendy Williams in Controversial Documentary – 247 News Around The World

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    • Lawsuit Alleged A&E Humiliated Wendy Williams in Controversial Documentary
    • Allegations include forgery of Williams’ signature and lack of consent.
    • The lawsuit raises significant ethical questions about media practices.
    • Public reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive of Williams.
    • The case could lead to changes in how documentaries handle sensitive subjects.

    Wendy Williams, once a powerhouse in daytime television, is now at the center of a contentious legal battle that raises serious questions about media ethics and the treatment of vulnerable individuals in the entertainment industry. Her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, has filed a lawsuit against A&E Networks and Lifetime, accusing them of “humiliating and exploiting” Williams through a documentary that allegedly profited from her struggles without her consent. This situation not only highlights the challenges faced by public figures dealing with personal crises but also underscores the responsibilities that media companies have toward their subjects.

    Background on Wendy Williams

    Wendy Williams rose to fame as a talk show host known for her candid commentary on celebrity gossip and pop culture. However, her career took a downturn due to health issues, including complications from Graves’ disease and struggles with substance abuse. These challenges have led to significant changes in her professional life, including a hiatus from her show and ongoing concerns regarding her well-being. The recent documentary titled Where Is Wendy? aimed to explore her life during this tumultuous period but has sparked controversy over its ethical implications.

    Details of the Lawsuit

    The lawsuit filed by Morrissey claims that A&E Networks exploited Williams during a vulnerable time in her life. One of the most alarming allegations is that Williams’ signature on a contract for the documentary was forged, raising questions about consent and agency. The complaint asserts that she had no knowledge of or involvement in the production process, stating that she never saw promotional materials or endorsed the project before its release. Furthermore, it describes how the documentary portrayed her in a demeaning light, which Morrissey argues was both humiliating and damaging to Williams’ reputation.

    Implications of the Lawsuit

    This lawsuit could have significant ramifications for A&E Networks and Lifetime, particularly regarding their practices when producing content about real people facing personal challenges. If Morrissey’s allegations are proven true, it may lead to stricter regulations around consent and representation in documentary filmmaking. The case also raises broader ethical questions about how media companies handle sensitive subjects and whether they prioritize profit over compassion.

    pinkvilla.com

    Public Reaction

    The public response to these allegations has been one of shock and concern for Williams’ well-being. Fans have rallied around her, expressing outrage at what they perceive as exploitation by media giants. Social media platforms have become hotbeds for discussions about ethical storytelling and the responsibilities of producers when dealing with vulnerable individuals. Many commentators are calling for greater accountability from networks that produce content about real-life figures without their informed consent.

    The lawsuit filed by Wendy Williams’ guardian against A&E Networks highlights critical issues surrounding media ethics, consent, and respect for individuals facing personal crises. As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when entertainment entities prioritize sensationalism over sensitivity. The outcome may not only affect Williams but could also set important precedents for how documentaries are made in the future.

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    Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by 247 News Around The World

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  • Here’s How to Watch Lifetime’s Where Is Wendy Williams? Documentary for Free

    Here’s How to Watch Lifetime’s Where Is Wendy Williams? Documentary for Free

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    Two years after the end of her iconic talk show, viewers will get a never-before-seen look into Wendy Williams’ life in Lifetime’s new two-night documentary, Where is Wendy Williams? If you don’t have cable, learn how to watch Where Is Wendy Williams? for free below.

    Where is Wendy Williams? follows the former television host and radio star on the next phase of her life following the end of her talk show in June 2017. According to Lifetime, “The documentary provides a raw, honest and unfiltered reality of Wendy’s life after she was placed under financial guardianship, shedding light on the vulnerabilities that has turned Wendy into the Hot Topic herself.” The forthcoming film will also explore Williams’ mental and physical issues, her delicate state of mind, erratic behavior, and declining health.

    “Wendy has been part of the Lifetime family for over a decade and during that time, we partnered with Wendy for her revealing biopic and doc,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming, A&E, Lifetime and LMN, per Deadline. “But her story is not finished. There is so much more to it. Nobody truly knew the depths of Wendy’s reality so we hope that what our cameras captured can help shine a light on what she is facing now.”

    On the Friday night prior, Lifetime will play the biopic Wendy Williams: The Movie and her 2021 documentary, Wendy Williams: What a Mess. Read on to learn how to watch Where Is Wendy Williams for free.

    When does Where Is Wendy Williams? air?

    Where Is Wendy Williams airs on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24 and 25, at 8 p.m.ET/5 p.m. PT on Lifetime.

    How to watch Where Is Wendy Williams? for free

    Where Is Wendy Williams? airs on Lifetime, which is available to stream live on services like DirecTV Stream, Sling, and Philo. DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial and starts at $79.99 per month after the trial ends. Philo offers a seven-day free trial and costs $25 per month after the free trial ends. Sling TV starts at $20 for your first month.

    Best Overall Pick to Watch Where Is Wendy Williams?: DirecTV Stream’s Free Trial

    Direct TV is our best overall pick to watch Where Is Wendy Williams for free for its free trial, price, and channel selection. DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial. DirecTV offers four plans: Entertainment, which costs $79.99 per month; Choice, which costs $108.99 per month with the first two months at $83.99 per month; Ultimate, which costs $84.99 per month with the first two months at $94.99 per month; and Premiere, which costs $159.99 per month.

    As for other differences between the plans, Entertainment includes more than 75 channels, the ability to stream on unlimited devices in your home, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and a special offer on premium channels. Choice, which is the most popular plan, includes more than 105 channels, regional sports networks, and everything included in Entertainment. Ultimate includes more than 140 channels and everything included in Entertainment and Choice. Premiere includes more than 150 channels including premium channels like HBO and Starz and everything included in Entertainment, Choice, and Premiere. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch Where Is Wendy Williams? with DirecTV Stream’s free trial. 

    1. Visit streamtv.directv.com‘s packages page
    2. Click “Try It Free” for the plan of your choice
    3. Enter your information and payment method
    4. Search for Lifetime and start watching

    Best Budget Pick to Watch Where Is Wendy Williams?: Philo’s Free Trial

    Philo is our best budget pick to watch Where Is Wendy Williams? for its price and free trial length. Philo offers a seven-day free trial and costs $25 per month after the trial ends. Along with Lifetime, Philo also offers similar channels like Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Great American Faith & Living, and Great American Family. As for what else it includes, Philo offers more than 70 channels, as well as an unlimited DVR service. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch Where Is Wendy Williams with Philo’s free trial. 

    1. Visit Philo.com
    2. Click “Start Free Trial”
    3. Enter your information and payment method
    4. Search for Lifetime and start watching

    Best Upgrade Pick to Watch Where Is Wendy Williams?: Sling TV

    Sling TV is our best budget pick to watch Where Is Wendy Williams for its channel selection. Sling TV offers three plans: Sling Orange for $40 per month; Sling Blue for $45 per month; and Sling Orange + Blue for $60 per month. Sling also has a current deal where subscribers can sign up for 50 percent off their first month, bringing Sling Orange’s price down to $20 for your first month; Sling Blue’s to $22.50 for your first month; and Sling Orange + Blue’s to $30 for your first month. All three plans include Lifetime.

    As for the differences between the plans, Sling Orange, which is most suited toward sports and family channels, includes 32 channels and the ability to stream on one device at a time. Sling Orange, which is most suited toward news and entertainment channels, includes 42 channels and the ability to stream on three devices at a time. Sling Orange + Blue includes all the channels offered on both Sling Orange and Sling Blue, as well as the ability to stream on three devices at a time. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch Where Is Wendy Williams? with Sling TV.

    1. Visit Sling.com
    2. Click “Try Us Today”
    3. Create an account
    4. Select your plan
    5. Enter your payment information and check out
    6. Search for Lifetime and start watching

    What is Where Is Wendy Williams? about?

    Wendy Williams attends AOL BUILD to speak about The Wendy Williams Show.

    What is Where Is Wendy Williams? about? The Lifetime documentary was filmed over the two years since Williams left The Wendy Williams Show in 2021. The special captures the talk show host’s struggles after she was placed under financial guardianship and her show canceled.

    The show’s official description on Lifetime reads: “After Wendy Williams was placed under a financial guardianship and her hit talk show was unexpectedly canceled, she was determined to make a career comeback. Opening the doors to her private life like never before, cameras chronicled her comeback journey to reclaim her life and legacy despite facing health issues and personal turbulence. With unparalleled access granted by Wendy to film with her and her family for nearly two years, what was captured was not what anyone expected.”

    The description continues, “The documentary provides a raw, honest and unfiltered reality of Wendy’s life after she was placed under financial guardianship, shedding light on the vulnerabilities that has turned Wendy into the Hot Topic herself. Suffering mental and physical issues, Wendy’s delicate state of mind, erratic behavior and declining health were all captured by the cameras. Where Is Wendy Williams? is the story of Wendy’s journey to resurrect her career, and what filmmakers discovered along the way. But many questions remain — who truly has Wendy’s best interest at heart? Is she healthy now?”

    In the trailer for the doc, William begins the teaser by saying: “From I was six years old, all I wanted was to be famous.” Her son, Kevin Hunter Jr, also appears in the film. “Mom has done a great job making it seem like everything is OK always, but in reality, there is something wrong,” he says. “My mom always talks about how she wants to work, but I think she’s worked enough. She has people around her who are ‘yes’ people that have allowed this to continue.”

    What happened to The Wendy Williams Show?

    Wendy Williams discussing the Wendy Williams Show on April 17, 2017.

    What happened to The Wendy Williams Show? The talk show ended on July 17, 2022, after a rotation of guest hosts filled in for Williams as she dealt with health problems. The TV personality’s first on-air scare happened in 2017 when she fainted live on air during the Halloween episode of The Wendy Williams Show.

    In 2021, multiple sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Williams was in and out of hospitals and doctors’ care. While insiders assumed substance abuse was the cause, those same sources realized other health issues were clearly at play. “Williams, who’s been open about her battles with Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder that impacts the thyroid) and lymphedema (which can cause swelling in the arms and legs), was being whisked from one expert to the next, as medical professionals tried to figure out what was causing symptoms like nonlinear speech, brain fog, memory loss and even hallucinations,” our sister site writes. Lonnie Burstein, Debmar-Mercury’s executive VP of programming, stated, “To this day, we don’t know truly what the issue is.”

    Then, during a staff check-in with Williams in Sept. 2021, the talk show host didn’t seem herself, multiple people present also told THR. “She gets on and she starts rambling about ‘I’m really fine, it’s going to be fine,’ and it’s like, ‘What are you saying?’” one source told the site, who said that she was “starting not to be coherent.” The executives then allegedly thanked everyone for their time and suddenly ended the Zoom call.

    “It lasted two and a half, three minutes, and it was not pretty,” said Burstein. “People were sort of freaked out. She was saying things like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait, I’ll be back with you really soon,’ but it was obvious to anyone watching that she was not going to be back really soon.”

    After the meeting, guest hosts filled in for the remainder of the year until Debmar-Mercury announced that the 13th season of The Wendy Williams Show would be its last. “We knew we really didn’t want it to feel like an in-memoriam because she’s very much alive,” said Adam Lewis, Debmar-Mercury senior vp of marketing. At the same time, “We weren’t going to do this huge countdown with celebratory balloons because it didn’t feel celebratory.” One idea proposed was to air the final episode without acknowledging it was the last one. Ultimately, the group decided to show a highlight reel from Williams’ 12-season tenure.

    What is Wendy Williams diagnosed with?

    Wendy Williams visits SiriusXM Studios on September 6, 2018 in New York City.

    What is Wendy Williams diagnosed with? The TV personality has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and the language disorder aphasia, according to William’s health care team. Read their full statement below.

    On behalf of Wendy Williams Hunter, her care team is sharing this very personal update with her cherished fans, friends, and supporters to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health.

    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.

    Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.

    In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.

    Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine. Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.

    The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances. 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.

    There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support, and care they deserve and need.

    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. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.

    Watch the official trailer for When Is Wendy Williams? below.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjJDhf5ll70

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  • Wendy Williams thanks fans for ‘overwhelming’ response to dementia diagnosis

    Wendy Williams thanks fans for ‘overwhelming’ response to dementia diagnosis

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    Former talk show host Wendy Williams is thanking well-wishers for their response to the revelation she has been diagnosed with dementia and ahead of the airing of Lifetime documentary about her struggles.

    “I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming,” Williams said in a statement released to The Associated Press through a representative for her care team. “The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”

    Williams’ statement came a day after her team revealed the 59-year-old has been diagnosed with with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.

    It also came hours after a New York judge ruled that Lifetime’s “Where is Wendy Williams?” documentary will air this weekend as scheduled. The order signed by an appellate judge, who was reviewing a petition to block the documentary’s release, says such a ruling would be an “impermissible prior restraint on speech that violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.”

    The ruling clears Lifetime’s two-night broadcast plan for “Where is Wendy Williams?,” which includes footage of the former talk show host and interviews.

    An attorney for Williams’ guardian did not immediately return an email seeking comment Friday.

    “Lifetime appeared in court today, and the documentary ‘Where is Wendy Williams?’ will air this weekend as planned,” the network said in a statement.

    Bruce Willis is ‘still Bruce’ despite not being ‘totally verbal,’ ‘Moonlighting’ creator says

    Emma Heming Willis, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, is opening up about what it’s like caring for someone with dementia and mental health.

    “I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive,” Williams said in her statement Friday. “Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.”

    She credited the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for its support and efforts to educate the public about the disease, which is the same form of dementia Bruce Willis has, after her diagnosis was announced.

    Frontotemporal dementia is a rare disease that affects parts of the brain controlling behavior and language. These parts of the brain shrink as the disease gets worse. The disease often includes primary progressive aphasia, which means it’s causing problems with language skills. A person with this type of FTD may have trouble finding words or understanding speech.

    Williams’ self-titled daytime talk show ended in 2022 because of her health issues. Sherri Shepherd, who filled in for Williams as a guest host, received her own show.

    In this Nov. 7, 2014, file photo, TV talk show host Wendy Williams arrives during the 2014 Soul Train Awards in Las Vegas.

    Photo by Omar Vega/Invision/AP, File

    Williams said in 2018 that she had been diagnosed years before with Graves’ disease, which leads to the overproduction of thyroid hormones and can cause wide-ranging symptoms that can affect overall health. Thursday’s statement from Williams’ care team said Williams’ dementia diagnosis happened in 2023.

    People magazine reported in a cover story on Williams this week that some family members say they don’t know where she is and cannot call her themselves, but that she can call them.

    The article said the Lifetime documentary crew, which set out in 2022 to chronicle Williams’ comeback, stopped filming in April 2023 when, her manager “and jeweler” Will Selby says in footage for the film, she entered a facility to treat “cognitive issues.” Her son says in the documentary that doctors had connected her cognitive issues to alcohol use, People reported.

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  • Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Same Form Of Dementia As Bruce Willis – KXL

    Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Same Form Of Dementia As Bruce Willis – KXL

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    LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with the same form of dementia that actor Bruce Willis has, a statement released Thursday on behalf of her caretakers says.

    The statement said the 59-year-old’s diagnoses of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia “have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life” and have behavioral and cognitive impacts.

    “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. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way,” the statement attributed to her care team said.

    The statement on Williams’ health was issued on PR Newswire. A representative listed on the release, Jennifer Hanley, referred questions back to the statement when contacted by The Associated Press.

    The announcement came a day after a cover story in People magazine quoted Williams’ family about the nature of her struggles, ahead of a Lifetime documentary set to air Saturday.

    “The people who love her cannot see her,” People quoted Williams’ sister Wanda as saying. “I think the big (question) is: How the hell did we get here?” The family said a court-appointed legal guardian was the only person with unfettered access to Williams.

    The article said the Lifetime documentary crew, which set out in 2022 to chronicle Williams’ comeback, stopped filming in April 2023 when, her manager “and jeweler” Will Selby says in footage for the film, she entered a facility to treat “cognitive issues.” Her son says in the documentary that doctors had connected her cognitive issues to alcohol use, People reported.

    Her family told People they don’t know where she is and cannot call her themselves, but she can call them.

    The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration describes FTD as a group of brain disorders caused by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain that affects behavior, language and movement. Aphasia, a brain disorder that can lead to problems speaking or understanding words, can be a symptom of it. The association describes frontotemporal degeneration as “an inevitable decline in functioning,” with an average life expectancy of seven to 13 years after the onset of symptoms.

    The association was involved in the disclosure of Willis’ diagnosis in February 2023, hosting a statement posted by the actor’s family.

    There are no treatments to slow or stop the disease, but some interventions can help manage symptoms.

    Thursday’s statement credited Weill Cornell Medicine in New York with the care and expertise Williams received. Weill Cornell declined comment.

    Williams rose to fame in part due to her no-boundaries approach to her life, which included sharing personal details about her health, plastic surgery and cocaine addiction — the subject of her 2003 memoir, “Wendy’s Got the Heat.”

    A hallmark of “The Wendy Williams Show,” which competed for viewers with Ellen DeGeneres’ show, was her signature phrase, “How you doin’?” She transitioned to television after a successful career as a radio host, known for her hot takes on gossip and skewering of celebrities, including a contentious 2003 interview with Whitney Houston.

    In 2022, Williams’ self-titled daytime talk show ended because of her ongoing health issues. Sherri Shepherd, who filled in for Williams as a guest host, received her own show.

    Williams said in 2018 that she had been diagnosed years before with Graves’ disease, which leads to the overproduction of thyroid hormones and can cause wide-ranging symptoms and affect overall health.

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  • Wendy Williams Has Dementia & Aphasia, Her Medical Team Confirms | The YBF

    Wendy Williams Has Dementia & Aphasia, Her Medical Team Confirms | The YBF

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    Wendy Williams’ health has been a topic of conversation for years now, and fans have become increasingly concerned the more the talk show legend has withdrawn from the public eye. “What happened to Wendy Williams?” has been one of the most asked questions these past few years. Now, her medical team confirms Wendy has been diagnosed with dementia and progressive aphasia.

    The radio and tv personality, who mastered both in her career, has been openly fighting for her health for years. During her 12-year run as the host of “The Wendy Williams Show,” she revealed her battle with Graves disease, lymphedema, and often discussed how she overcame drug & alcohol addiction.

    The 59-year-old’s sister, Wanda, said just this week about Wendy’s addiction issues:

    “There were points during the past year when everyone in this family wondered whether that call [that she was dead] was going to come in the middle of the night,” Wendy’s sister, Wanda, 65, tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s cover story. “Everybody in this family sat on pins and needles every single night with their cell phones right next to the bed.”

    But in the last few years of the show’s run, fans became concerned with her on-air memory lapses, erratic behavior and even her fainting on live TV in 2019.

    While people often to explain away much of the behavior as stress induced due to her wild divorce from husbandger Kevin Hunter, it became clear severe health issues were also to blame. But it seems alcoholism, according to her sister Wanda, was also to blame.

    During Williams’ visits to her family in Florida, Wanda says they kept a strict “anti-alcohol” policy, so she “started to push everybody away,” including her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., 23.

    “Wendy is right when she says, ‘Wanda doesn’t want me to drink,’” Wanda says. “It wasn’t so much, ‘I don’t want you to drink because drinking is bad,’ but drinking for you is not good.”

    For a long time, sources say Williams struggled with drinking behind the scenes of The Wendy Williams Show, which she first started hosting in 2008. “She would be drunk on air,” says a show source. “Slowly, we started being like, ‘What’s going on with her?’”

    Now, Wendy Williams’ medical team has issued a statement on her health, which they hope will stop the “gossip” surrounding her well-being. She has been diagnosed with aphasia, which Bruce Willis was also recently diagnosed with, and dementia.

    The statement reads, “In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).”

    The team also confirms they were hired by Wendy herself saying, “Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine.”

    They added, “Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.

    The statement wraps up, “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. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”

    Wendy’s health and behavior has been a MAJOR topic of gossip not only with fans, but with her own family members and ex-husband sometimes stirring the pot.

    Her brother has often gone on Live to call out Wendy for putting on a front. He specifically called out Wendy about her relationship with their parents, and accusing her of not even showing up when their mother – whom she as really close to and often appeared on “Wendy” – passed away.

    Her son, Kevin Jr., has been in the headlines for allegedly stealing his mother’s money and getting evicted from the Miami apartment she got for him.

    Her new Where Is Wendy Williams? documentary trailer has tongues wagging even more as it’s the first time Wendy herself has tackled the gossip and rumors head-on. She lets down the “everything is perfect” guard she’s protected her image with for years.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjJDhf5ll70

    The timing of this statement on her health isn’t lost on us though. This 2-night documentary premieres on Lifetime this weekend, February 24th and 25th.

    Still, the doc appears to be something Wendy felt she needed to do. She originally planned to launch a podcast after her talk show officially ended in 2022, but it evolved into this eye-opening doc instead.

    In the trailer and subsequent sneak peek, we see her manager and jeweler trying to keep her away from the alcohol bottles while she lashes out at them. We see her show her true self, without the makeup and wigs, in a frail and vulnerable state. We see her celebrity friends like Blac Chyna paying her a visit to check on her. We see Wendy like never before. But it’s clear this is what Wendy wanted to do.

    Now that Wendy has a diagnosis, we sincerely hope the healing and proper medical services can begin. The legend deserves that.

    Photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com

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  • Wendy Williams diagnosed with rare form of dementia, speech disorder – National | Globalnews.ca

    Wendy Williams diagnosed with rare form of dementia, speech disorder – National | Globalnews.ca

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    Wendy Williams has revealed that she is facing a rare form of dementia and a disorder that affects communication.

    Williams, 60, was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023 after undergoing “a battery of medical tests,” according to a press release made on behalf of the former talk show host, aiming to correct “inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health.”

    “Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions,” the statement reads.

    FTD is an umbrella term for a group of disorders that most often affect the parts of the brain associated with personality and behaviour, according to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. It can also cause difficulties with speech and movement, as well as memory loss.

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    Aphasia is referred to as a “language problem” by the Canadian Aphasia Institute, which states it “most dramatically affects conversational interaction (talking and understanding), as well as the ability to read and write.”

    Bruce Willis is another high-profile celebrity who has been diagnosed with FTD and aphasia. Willis announced he was quitting acting in 2022, and a year later, his family made a statement that the actor’s condition had worsened and he was also experiencing FTD.


    Click to play video: 'Bruce Willis diagnosed with dementia 1 year after battling with aphasia'


    Bruce Willis diagnosed with dementia 1 year after battling with aphasia


    The update on Williams’ health comes two years after she cancelled her hit talk show The Wendy Williams Show, which ran for 14 years. At the time, Williams was open that she had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid and can cause bulging eyes, excessive sweating and muscle weakness, according to the Thyroid Foundation of Canada.

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    The statement on Williams’ behalf acknowledged that her health issues “have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”


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    “The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances,” it reads.

    “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.”

    Approximately five to 10 per cent of all dementia cases are FTD, according to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, but it makes up about 20 per cent of all young-onset dementia diagnosed in those under 65. There is also no known cure and no effective way to slow the progression of FTD.

    Cathy Barrick, chief executive officer at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, told Global News last year that FTD “primarily attacks the frontal temporal lobe … that governs your behaviour and judgment.”

    “So sometimes the symptoms associated with it can be quite disturbing both to the person who is living with it and the people around them.”


    Click to play video: 'Health Matters: What is frontotemporal dementia?'


    Health Matters: What is frontotemporal dementia?


    Barrick said it’s important for people to be aware of FTD and be more understanding of those who have it.

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    “People who are in the early stages actually can be still very productive members of society… We don’t want them to have to withdraw as they start to show symptoms and have some struggles,” Barrick said.

    “Maybe if employers and family members just understood people’s limitations and that maybe they may have days that are better than others, people can still really actively participate and contribute. And so overcoming that stigma is really, really important.”

    Williams is “still able to do many things for herself,” according to the update. “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.”

    A new Lifetime documentary titled Where is Wendy Williams? is due to air on Saturday.

    According to People, crews started filming in August 2022 and were set to document Williams’ comeback and she prepared to launch a new podcast.

    But things took a turn as Williams’ serious health issues became more clear.

    “We’ve all seen the images over the last few months — and, really, few years — of what has seemed like a spiral for my aunt,” Williams’ niece Alex Finnie told People. “It was shocking and heartbreaking to see her in this state.”

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    The documentary crews stopped filming in April 2023 as the former host was admitted to a facility to treat “cognitive issues.”

    &copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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  • Wendy Williams diagnosed with dementia and aphasia

    Wendy Williams diagnosed with dementia and aphasia

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    Former talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with dementia and aphasia, she and her medical team said in a statement released Thursday.

    Williams has been open in the past about her prolonged health struggles, which included Graves’ disease and a thyroid condition.

    The 59-year-old former host of “The Wendy Williams Show” was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023 and those diagnoses have “enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires,” according to the press release.

    “The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration,” the statement said, “not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances.

    “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. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”

    The National Aphasia Association describes primary progressive aphasia is “a neurological syndrome in which language capabilities become slowly and progressively impaired.”

    According to the association, unlike other forms of aphasia, primary progressive aphasia does not result from a stroke or brain injury and instead is caused by the “deterioration of brain tissue important for speech and language.”

    Dementia is an umbrella term that describes “the impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Though dementia mostly affects older adults, the CDC notes that it is “not a part of normal aging” and the organization projects that there will be as many as 14 million people with dementia by 2060.

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  • Wendy Williams says she’s ‘back and better than ever’ | CNN

    Wendy Williams says she’s ‘back and better than ever’ | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Wendy Williams has some irons in the fire.

    The former daytime talk show host entered a wellness facility over the summer and now her representative says she is “home and healing.”

    “Wendy is excited about the road ahead and looking forward to releasing her many projects,” Williams’ publicist Shawn Zanotti told Entertainment Tonight in a statement. Adding a sentiment from Williams, “Thank you to my fans for your love, support and many prayers, I am back and better than ever.”

    Williams has been open about her previous struggle with addiction. In 2019, she told viewers she was living in a sober house after seeking treatment for drug use. She filed for divorce from her husband, Kevin Hunter, the same year.

    She has also discussed her ongoing issues with Graves’ disease. The autoimmune disorder is something that caused Williams to leave her talk show on several occasions over the years, including an incident in which she fainted on live television during a Halloween episode in 2017.

    Williams hosted “The Wendy Williams Show” from 2008 to 2021. In February it was announced that Sherri Shepard would be taking her time slot with her own talk show.

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