Wendy Williams' devastating decline laid bare: Once-vibrant TV host battled harrowing drug addiction

After years of erratic behavior, bizarre outbursts, and alarming public appearances, Wendy Williams’s son confirmed that the longtime TV host is suffering from ‘alcohol-induced’ dementia.

The diagnosis is the latest in a long line of horrific blows that the talk show host, 59, has had to endure – marking a gut-wrenching new chapter in what has been an incredible roller coaster tale of addiction, heartbreak, and public scandal. 

Wendy has faced a slew of health woes over the years, battled a severe drug and alcohol addiction that almost took her life, and was publicly humiliated after it was revealed that her husband had been secretly living a double life and cheating on her with a much younger woman for more than a decade.

But despite her life being marred in tragedy and heartbreak, Wendy was hailed by many as the queen of daytime TV for more than 10 years.

Wendy Williams’s (seen in 2019) son has confirmed that she is suffering from ‘alcohol-induced’ dementia – the latest in a long line of horrific blows that she’s had to endure

As the world comes to grips with the devastating announcement, FEMAIL recapped the TV legend’s rollercoaster ride journey. She’s seen in 2019

Her show, which premiered in 2008, was the top-ranked syndicated talk show for many of its seasons, and averaged more than 1.6 million viewers per day during its prime. 

But in recent years, the media personality embarked on a downward spiral that saw her health, career, and marriage all crumble right in front of her millions of fans’ eyes.

Wendy’s problems actually started long before she was a massive TV star, as she once admitted that she had a ‘tortured’ childhood plagued by her mother who ‘fat shamed’ her constantly and forced her to get on a diet when she was only in first grade.

She has confessed to becoming a cocaine and crack ‘addict’ in her 20s, and her incessant partying got so severe she later admitted that she was shocked she made it out alive.

But Wendy quit drugs at age 29, and overcame her troubled past to become a major media force, eventually launching The Wendy Williams Show in 2008 and transforming herself into a prominent TV figure.

In 2017, however, after nearly a decade of running the show, the mom-of-one’s plunge from the top began after it was revealed that her husband of more than two decades, Kevin Hunter, had been embroiled in an explosive affair with a massage therapist 14 years his junior.

Wendy’s marital woes ultimately sent her into an alcohol and pill-fueled depression that forced her in and out of rehab numerous times, and even resulted in her being rushed to the hospital on one occasion.

The former radio broadcaster’s health also began to decline, and she was forced to take numerous hiatuses from her show as she suffered from two different medical conditions.

The host (seen in 2022), 59, has faced a slew of health woes, battled a severe drug and alcohol addiction, and was publicly humiliated when she found out her husband cheated on her

In 2021, amid her multiple ailments, shattered personal life, and growing alcoholism, Wendy stepped away from her hosting job indefinitely. 

In the months that followed, she made a slew of worrisome public appearances that saw her looking disheveled and often confused – certainly a vast difference from the fearless TV star who once earned $10 million a season as the host of The Wendy Williams Show.

Things only got worse in 2022, when a judge appointed a legal guardian to oversee her finances and health after she became embroiled in a fierce lawsuit with her bank, who claimed she was of ‘unsound mind’ and unfit to manage her money.

Now, Wendy hasn’t been seen publicly in more than a year, and many of her devoted fans have been left wondering: What exactly happened to the former talk show host?

Over the weekend, a brand-new Lifetime documentary, entitled Where Is Wendy Williams?, has shed some new light on the answer to that.

In the midst of the new special, which premiered over the weekend, and Wendy’s latest shock diagnosis, FEMAIL has recapped the TV legend’s rollercoaster ride journey.

From her substance abuse and failed marriage to her health decline and departure from the spotlight, take a look back at how the star overcame her problems to rise to the top, as well as how they ultimately caught up with her and led to her harrowing fall from grace.

Wendy’s ‘tortured’ childhood: The star was forced to start dieting by her mother as early as first grade, and said she was ‘fat shamed’ by her entire family as a kid

As a kid, Wendy struggled immensely with body insecurities, which she told People magazine began as young as first grade, when her mom put her on her first diet. She’s seen as a kid

She said she was ‘fat shamed’ by her entire family during her childhood – something that she believed led to her battle with drug and alcohol addiction later on

Wendy was born on July 18, 1964, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, to two school teachers named Shirley and Thomas.

As a kid, Wendy struggled immensely with body insecurities, which she told People magazine began as young as first grade, when her mom put her on her first diet.

She also told ABC in 2014, ‘I had a very tortured childhood. I was tortured, they fat shamed me.’ She’s seen as a kid

She explained to the publication that she was ‘fat shamed’ by her entire family during her childhood – something that she believed led to her battle with drug and alcohol addiction later on.

‘In the ’70s I guess that is what they called “love,”‘ she joked of her parents constantly bringing up her size when she was little. ‘When I look back I was a little fluffy, but I wasn’t fat.’

She also told ABC in 2014, ‘I had a very tortured childhood. I was tortured, they fat shamed me.

‘I didn’t grow up the popular girl or the popular cheerleader. I’ve never been to a prom, I didn’t have a lot of boyfriends, so I’m used to be on this side of life.’ 

Soon after Wendy – who graduated from Northeastern University in 1986 – launched her career in the early ’90s, she underwent a ‘full body liposuction, breast implants,’ and a tummy tuck.

‘I just wanted to fit into good clothes,’ she later reflected of her decision to get the surgeries.

‘I wanted the body that matched my personality. And the body I have now matches my personality.’

Her battle with drugs and alcohol: Wendy developed an addiction to crack and cocaine in her 20s, and while she quit at age 29 after nearly ‘killing herself,’ she has relapsed numerous times since then

Wendy (seen in 1985) began using cocaine recreationally in college, but said she ‘didn’t consider it a problem’ at first because she wasn’t making enough money to turn it into a habit

Wendy has been extremely open about her battle with substance abuse. She previously explained that she used cocaine recreationally in college, but that she ‘didn’t consider it a problem’ at first because she wasn’t making enough money to turn it into a habit.

But when she landed a gig on her first big radio show in New York City in 1989, her new salary made getting the drugs much easier. She’s seen in 1996

But when she landed a gig on her first big radio show in New York City in 1989, her new salary made getting the drugs much easier.

‘I was making $60,000 a year, and at $35 a gram, cocaine was cheap,’ she told People in 2014.

‘I was a young Jersey girl turning the city upside down. I wanted to live on the edge.’

While chatting to Entertainment Tonight in 2018 about her past problems, Wendy admitted that she became a cocaine ‘addict’ during the early years of her career, but insisted that it never got in the way of her work.

‘I was a functioning addict though,’ she added. ‘All of my coworkers, and my bosses, would know [about my drug use] but… I was making ratings.’

She explained in a previous documentary that she was drawn to cocaine because it ‘suppressed her appetite’ and made it easier for her to lose weight. She also said it helped give her confidence on air.

‘Coke was everywhere in those days, it suppressed my appetite and gave me all the chemical courage I thought I needed,’ she explained. 

Wendy (seen in 2004) admitted that she became a cocaine ‘addict’ during the early years of her career, but insisted it never got in the way of her work

During an episode of her show in 2019, Wendy also admitted to using crack. She said: ‘Crack is wack – but it was very good to me at a particular stupid point in my life.’ She’s seen in 2005

During an episode of her show in 2019, Wendy also admitted to using crack, as she reflected on nearly ‘killing herself’ with her continued drug use.

‘Crack is wack – but it was very good to me at a particular stupid point in my life,’ she said. ‘I was a mess, functioning, but killing myself. I wasted a lot of my life burning up my insides.’

Wendy said she ‘lost 10-plus years’ to drugs, but ultimately decided to stop abruptly before her 29th birthday, soon after she met her future husband, Kevin. She’s seen in 2002

Wendy said she ‘lost 10-plus years’ to drugs, but ultimately decided to stop abruptly before her 29th birthday, soon after she met her future husband, Kevin.

‘I decided to step back and take an assessment of my life,’ she told People of why she quit.

‘Somehow I hadn’t gotten caught up in handcuffs or shamed my parents. I had just met this new guy. I said, “Count your blessings, Wen. It’s time to stop.”‘

In a 2012 episode of her show, Wendy insisted that she had ‘no regrets’ when it came to her past.

‘It’s been almost 15 years since I smoked last from a crack pipe … Without being that girl, I wouldn’t be the woman that I am today,’ she explained.

‘So if it makes any sense to you, I have no regrets. I’m one of the lucky ones.’

But she has been honest about how ‘substance abuse’ is something she will have to ‘battle for the rest of her life.’

And unfortunately, her problems didn’t end there. In early 2019, a source told DailyMail.com that she had moved into a sober living home after she plunged into an alcohol and pill-fueled depression sparked by her marital woes.

And in March of that year, it was reported that the star had to be rushed to the hospital to get IV fluids after her team found her drunk.

In 2019, it was revealed that she had moved into a sober living home after she plunged into an alcohol-fueled depression sparked by marital woes. She’s seen at the sober living home 

In June 2023, her rep revealed that she had checked into another wellness center, stating, ‘She’s taking it day by day.’ She’s seen in February 2023

‘She was in a bad way and disappeared from the studio after her show Monday. She went back to the sober house only to check herself out and decided to start drinking,’ the insider revealed to DailyMail.com at the time.

‘It’s not clear where she went but she headed in the direction of her home in Jersey and managed to find alcohol along the way.

‘Word got back to the studio and there was panic and concern, everyone was looking for her, no one knew whether there would be a show today.

‘She was eventually found and was drunk, she was immediately taken to the hospital.’

In September 2022, the talk show host’s publicist confirmed that she had gone back into rehab to ‘take some time to focus on her health and wellness,’ where she stayed for one month.

And in March 2023, it seemed like she had relapsed again after she was reportedly ‘seen drinking on raucous night out’ in New York City. 

At the time, an onlooker told Page Six that she had gone club-hopping in Manhattan where she visited venues including Fresco by Scotto and gay bar The Townhouse.

Then, in June 2023, her rep revealed that she had checked into another wellness center, stating, ‘She is at a facility doing her best to be her best. She’s taking it day by day.’

Wendy’s alleged sexual assault: The host claimed she was ‘date raped’ in college and again early on in her career by an R&B artist she had interviewed

In 2021, Wendy alleged that she had been ‘date raped’ by an R&B singer named Sherrick after she interviewed him early on in her career.

In 2021, Wendy alleged that she had been ‘date raped’ by an R&B singer named Sherrick (seen) after she interviewed him early on in her career

At the time, she recalled becoming ‘mesmerized’ by his ‘twinkling eyes’ throughout their chat.

‘I was just gaga over this man and he asked me to go to an opening party, an album release party, with him that night,’ she explained during a panel discussing her 2021 biopic, Wendy Williams: The Movie. ‘Before the party, I was date raped by him.’

She said she was also date raped once in college, adding, ‘Those types of things happen to girls all the time.’

Sherrick, who was born F Lamonte-Smith in 1957, rose to fame in the late ’80s and released one album.

He passed away in 1999 at the age of 41 after more than a decade of drug problems, leaving behind his wife, Lynne Conner-Smith, and their three children. 

‘I was just gaga over this man and he asked me to go to an album release party with him that night,’ she said. ‘Before the party, I was date raped by him.’ She’s seen in 1995

Following Wendy’s statements, Lynne defended her late husband to Page Six -stating that the TV host should let Sherrick ‘rest in peace’ since he was ‘not here to defend himself.’

‘Sherrick was a beautiful man, a genius with a voice like an angel,’ she continued. ‘We have three amazing children. This is quite painful to not only us but his nieces and siblings.’

His family added in a statement: ‘Sherrick was loved and adored by his family and we miss him every day. 

‘As I will never minimize or dismiss the horrid actions of sexual assault, I am saddened that Ms. Williams feels the need to publicly make these allegations when the man she is accusing is no longer on this earth to defend himself. 

‘Our family does not know Ms. Williams and are not aware of any relationship or encounter they may have had.’

Her devastating road to becoming a mother: Wendy went through multiple miscarriages before welcoming her son, and later admitted that she ‘blamed herself’ due to her past drug use

Wendy has also been outspoken about her struggle to become a mother. She married Kevin Hunter in 1999, and immediately, the two began trying for their first baby. They’re seen in 2010

But the TV star revealed in her biopic that she suffered from a series of horrific pregnancy losses before she ultimately welcomed her son, Kevin Jr. She and Kevin are seen in 2003

She said she endured two miscarriages and found out that her baby was stillborn five months into her third pregnancy. She and Kevin are seen in 2004

Wendy has also been outspoken about her struggle to become a mother. She married Kevin in 1999, and immediately, the two began trying for their first baby.

But the TV star revealed in her biopic that she suffered from a series of horrific pregnancy losses before she ultimately welcomed her son, Kevin Jr..

She said she endured two miscarriages and found out that her baby was stillborn five months into her third pregnancy.

‘Why do my babies keep doing?’ she recalled wondering. 

While she said she initially ‘blamed herself’ due to her past drug use, she said she was told by a doctor that her problems were likely due to her ‘cervix being a little weak.’

She gave birth to her son on August 18, 2000, after spending the full nine months of the pregnancy on bed rest.

‘I fought tooth and nail to be a mother,’ she told PBS in 2020. ‘I suffered several miscarriages including two at five months. 

‘That’s when you have the clothes already picked out, the nursery is already painted.’

Her tumultuous love life: Wendy’s husband cheated on her with a much younger mistress for more than a decade – ultimately fathering a child with the other woman

In 2017, DailyMail.com revealed that Wendy’s husband had been embroiled in a secret affair with a massage therapist 14 years his junior named Sharina Hudson (seen together)

While Wendy denied the allegations and insisted she was sticking with her husband initially, she later confirmed DailyMail.com’s findings. Kevin is seen with his mistress

Wendy faced a horrific blow to her personal life in September 2017 when DailyMail.com released a bombshell report that claimed her longtime husband had been secretly leading a double life.

‘You can believe what you want. I stand by my guy,’ she first said of the rumors during an episode of her show days after DailyMail.com’s report hit the web (seen) 

At the time, it was revealed that Kevin – who also managed Wendy’s career and was an executive producer of her show – had been embroiled in a secret affair with a massage therapist 14 years his junior, named Sharina Hudson, for more than 10 years.

While Wendy denied the allegations and insisted she was sticking with her husband initially, she later confirmed DailyMail.com’s findings.

‘You can believe what you want. I stand by my guy,’ she first said of the rumors during an episode of her show days after DailyMail.com’s report hit the web.

For years, Wendy insisted that she and her husband were still going strong, despite the proof piling up that he was unfaithful – but the relationship began to unravel in March 2019 when rumors erupted that Kevin and his mistress had welcomed a baby girl together.

One month later, Wendy officially filed for divorce from her husband and fired him as the show’s executive producer. 

In April 2019, Wendy officially filed for divorce from her husband after news erupted that Kevin had fathered a baby girl with his mistress. Wendy and Kevin are seen in March 2019

She later said she ‘knew’ about his ‘double life for years,’ but was hesitant to leave him because of her son, Kevin Jr.. She also described him as a ‘serial cheater.’ The family is seen in 2017

She later said she ‘knew’ about his ‘double life for years,’ but was hesitant to leave him because she felt ‘it wasn’t fair’ to her son, Kevin Jr..

‘My son’s happiness in that time was more important than my own,’ she told ET.

She also described him as a ‘serial cheater’ with ‘many different mistresses’ to Extra, claiming that his infidelities dated all the back to when she was pregnant with their son in 2000.

‘Kevin cheated on me while I was pregnant with my son… and I found out and I could’ve divorce him then, but I… didn’t want him to leave me by myself,’ she explained.

‘Kevin was a serial cheater, he had different mistresses… This last one was the one he had the longest term relationship with.’

Fears over her only child’s future: Wendy’s son developed his own drug addiction that left the talk show host ‘dying inside’ and terrified he would never turn his life around

In July 2018, Wendy revealed that her son had secretly battled his own drug addiction, something that she said left her ‘dying inside.’ They’re seen in 2019

In July 2018, Wendy revealed that her son had secretly battled his own drug addiction, something that she said left her ‘dying inside.’ 

‘This affected [my family] very deeply,’ she told Cosmopolitan, adding that he was now clean

‘This affected [my family] very deeply,’ she told Cosmopolitan. ‘I didn’t know whether my kid would ever return to school. 

‘The whole time we’re nursing him through [recovery], I’m supposed to make fun on the show like, “Hi! Here’s Wendy” but I’m dying inside.’ 

She said her son’s drug of choice was K2, a synthetic cannabinoid that is similar to marijuana but often includes much more harmful chemicals.

‘Kids are out there smoking that mess. It’ll turn you into a different person,’ she continued.

‘[Withdrawal] was a slow process and, for us, but we cleaned him out — anything for my boy.’

At the time, however, she insisted that he was all clean and doing better than ever. 

Years of continued health setbacks: On top of her recent diagnosis, Wendy has battled a series of other diseases that forced her to take numerous breaks from her show over the years

Fans have been worried about Wendy’s health for years – first sparking concerns all the way back in October 2017 when she fainted on live television (seen)

While speaking to the audience during the Halloween episode of her show, the host began to wobble and staggered backwards, before she ultimately dropped to the floor

Fans have been worried about Wendy’s health for years – first sparking concerns all the way back in October 2017 when she fainted on live television.

While speaking to the audience during the Halloween episode of her show, the host – who was dressed as the Statue of Liberty – suddenly seemed a bit dazed and visibly struggled to read the cue cards.

In February 2018, concern only grew for Wendy’s wellbeing after she canceled multiple days of taping due to an unknown illness. At the time, she said in an Instagram video (seen) that she felt ‘awful’ and ‘needed a few days to get herself together’

Then, she began to wobble and staggered backwards, before she ultimately dropped to the floor.

The show quickly cut to black before going on a lengthy commercial break. 

‘That was not a stunt. I overheated in my costume and I passed out. I am a champ, and I am back,’ Wendy told viewers a few minutes later when the show returned. 

While discussing the incident days later, the TV star blamed it on menopause.

‘I’m a 53-year-old, middle-aged woman going through what middle-aged women go through if you know what I mean,’ she said.

‘The costume got hot. All the sudden right before passing out, I felt like I was in the middle of a campfire.’

She added that paramedics ran tests after the show, and confirmed that her blood pressure and heart rate were fine, but that she was low on electrolytes. 

But in February 2018, concern only grew for Wendy’s wellbeing after she canceled multiple days of taping due to an unknown illness.

At the time, she said in an Instagram video that she felt ‘awful’ and ‘needed a few days to get herself together.’

Days later, the TV star announced that she was suffering from something known as Graves’ Disease – an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland

But speculation swirled that something more serious was going on after viewers noticed that she had displayed erratic and bizarre behavior in the episodes before the break.

Some noted that her eyes had appeared glazed and twitchy, while others pointed out that she was rambling and taking long pauses. 

Cameras even caught Wendy stumbling into audience members during an episode on February 12. 

Days later, the TV star announced that she was suffering from something known as Graves’ Disease – an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland – and that she would be taking a three-week hiatus from her show.

Those who suffer from Graves’ disease are also prone to racing heartbeat, tremors, sleep disruption, weight loss and muscle weakness. 

When she went back on air weeks later, Wendy spoke further about her diagnosis and what lead to it.

‘I have been having bats swimming in my head since maybe July. Didn’t tell anybody because I figured, well, it’s menopause,’ she explained. 

‘I had a whole bunch of things going on, you know, but I [felt like I] had more important things to do. 

‘[I felt like], as long as I get out there, stand on my mark, I can go right back home. We put so many things ahead of ourselves and our health, it’s ridiculous.’

In December 2018, Wendy’s health came into the spotlight again after she was seen slurring and stuttering her words during an episode of her show.

At the time, social media was flooded with messages from worried fans, who wondered if ‘something was wrong with her.’

In July 2019, Wendy revealed that she had been diagnosed with another condition called lymphedema. She’s seen in June 2019

Lymphedema is an incurable disorder of the lymphatic system, which causes swelling in the body’s tissues. She’s seen in July 2019, discussing the diagnosis

Wendy addressed the rumors in an Instagram post, and she blamed her behavior on pain killers that she was taking for a ‘hairline fracture in her upper arm.’

‘I sincerely apologize if you feel that today’s show was less than stellar,’ she wrote. ‘I’ve never taken a pain medication in my life… until this week. 

‘I did that to power through and try to deliver a great show for you, against the better judgement of the many people around me who genuinely care for my well-being. I really do ride or die for my craft.’

A few weeks later, she announced that she would be taking an ‘extended break’ and cited medical ‘complications.’ 

She was off-air for more than two months – during which, Nick Cannon took her place.

Then, in July 2019, Wendy revealed that she had been diagnosed with another condition called lymphedema.

Lymphedema is an incurable disorder of the lymphatic system, a network of channels and glands that remove excess fluid and help fight infections, which causes swelling in the body’s tissues.

At the time, she said she had to use a compression machine on her arms and legs for ’45 minutes’ every day in a bid to ease the puffiness in her arms and legs.

The cancelation of her show: Amid Wendy’s health concerns, crumbling personal life, and struggles with alcoholism, she stepped away permanently from hosting in 2021

In September 2021, photographers caught the host arriving to her apartment looking extremely frail and sickly in nothing but a bathrobe and hospital socks  

Her team then announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19, and days later, reports emerged that claimed she had been taken to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation  

Things seemed to be looking up for Wendy in April 2020, as she revealed that she was ‘moving out of sober house’ she had been living in.

‘I have to tell you, I’ve been dealing with issues with addiction, alcoholism, but I have a whole new life that I planned for myself and my son,’ she said at the time.

But things took a turn in September 2021, when it was revealed that Wendy had been forced to step away from a series of promotional activities ahead of The Wendy Williams Show’s 13th season due to ‘ongoing health issues.’

‘Wendy is dealing with some ongoing health issues and is undergoing further evaluations,’ a statement, posted to her show’s Instagram account at the time, read.

Soon after, photographers caught the host arriving to her apartment looking extremely frail and sickly in nothing but a bathrobe and hospital socks. 

Her team then announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19, and days later, reports emerged that claimed she had been taken to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

‘It has been a very difficult time for Wendy,’ a source told Page Six. ‘She’s a single woman with very few friends. She lost her marriage, her mom, and is living alone. There is a lot on her plate.’ 

A separate insider told The Sun that she had been ‘drinking every day’ leading up to the hospitalization, and was ‘in need of serious help.’

Season 13 was set to kick off on September 30, 2021, but ticket holders were turned away after she failed to show up to the studio for the taping. She’s seen in September 2021 

In early 2022, it was revealed that Sherri Shepherd would become Wendy’s ‘permanent’ replacement and that her show would be coming to an end. She’s seen in August 2022

Season 13 was set to kick off on September 30, 2021, but ticket holders were turned away after she failed to show up to the studio for the taping.

‘Wendy has tested negative for COVID,’ a staffer told the disappointed crowd, who had waited more than two hours for admission.

‘But her health is still not great, and she wants to be better than ever when she comes back.’ 

For weeks, Wendy was mysteriously absent from the show as a series of guest hosts took her place. 

In an update in October, the network said that she was ‘experiencing serious complications as a direct result of Graves’ Disease and her thyroid condition.’ 

‘As everyone knows, my health has been a hot topic. I’m making progress but it’s just one of those things that’s taking longer than we expected,’ she added in a statement of her own that was shared to her Instagram at the time. 

‘I’m a woman of a certain age, and I know enough to listen to my doctors and will return to my purple chair as soon as we all agree I’m ready. 

‘I want to thank all of my staff and our guest hosts for stepping up and stepping in while I can’t be there.’ 

Then, in early 2022, it was revealed that Sherri Shepherd would become Wendy’s ‘permanent’ replacement and that her show would officially be coming to an end. 

‘Since Wendy is still not available to host the show as she continues on her road to recovery, we believe it is best for our fans, stations and advertising partners to start making this transition now,’ company co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a statement. 

‘We hope to be able to work with Wendy again in the future, and continue to wish her a speedy and full recovery.’ 

Afterwards, her spokesperson said that Wendy ‘understands’ the business decision and expressed her gratitude to her replacement. 

Her financial woes: Wendy became embroiled in a legal battle with her bank, who claimed she was ‘of unsound mind’ – leading to the court placing her under a legal guardianship

In 2022, Wendy (seen in February 2023) became embroiled in a lawsuit after Wells Fargo blocked her from her accounts and claimed she was ‘of unsound mind’

Around that time, reports emerged that claimed Wendy had been locked out of her Wells Fargo bank accounts after her former financial advisor, Lori Schiller, claimed she was ‘of unsound mind.’

‘I want my money, it’s not fair,’ an emotional Wendy said in an emotional Instagram video at the time. ‘Wells Fargo have this guardianship petition about keeping me away from my money, this is not right’ 

She became entangled in an explosive court battle with the bank, who said it ‘had strong reason to believe’ that Wendy was ‘the victim of undue influence and financial exploitation.’

Her lawyers denied the claims and stated that Wells Fargo had overstepped its authority, while demanding access to her millions of dollars.

Wendy participated in her first interview in quite some time in March 2022 with Good Morning America, and while she declined to appear on camera, she addressed the lawsuit over the phone.

She told the hosts that she was ‘absolutely’ of sound mind, adding, ‘They say that I need somebody to handle my account and I don’t want that.

‘I want all my money. I want to see all my money that I’ve worked hard for my entire life. I don’t lie, I don’t cheat and I don’t steal. I am an honest, hard working person.’

That same month, it was revealed that Wendy’s ex-manager Bernie Young had filed to be her legal guardian. 

Days later, she shared a worrying video to her Instagram in which she broke down in tears as she begged for access to her money.

In May 2022, a New York Supreme Court judge agreed to place her under a legal guardianship. She’s seen in February 2023

She claimed that the bank had frozen her accounts for more than two months, which was preventing her from paying her bills. 

‘I want my money, it’s not fair,’ an emotional Wendy said. ‘Wells Fargo has no answers regarding my money.

‘They have this guardianship petition about keeping me away from my money, this is not right.’ 

In May 2022, a New York Supreme Court judge agreed to place her under a legal guardianship.

‘Please be advised that Wendy is not in agreement with the appointment of a financial guardian by the court,’ her lawyer said after the ruling. 

‘Wendy has been very clear that she does not want a financial guardian to tell her what she can and cannot do with her money.

‘Wendy feels that she is capable of hiring her own financial advisors who work for and report to her and not to the court. 

‘We believe that this story has been put forth in an attempt to lessen the public outcry and regulatory scrutiny mounting around Wells Fargo due to their actions.’

Isolated from her family: As she battles dementia, Wendy is allegedly living in a ‘treatment facility’ where her loved ones say they’re not allowed to visit her

Since then, Wendy has become extremely reclusive, and is hardly ever seen in public, In fact, the last time she was photographed was in February 2023 (pictured)

Now, a new two-part Lifetime documentary about her journey, entitled Where Is Wendy Williams?, has shed new light on her downfall. She’s seen in the doc

Filmmakers began following her around in 2022, at the time hoping to document her ‘comeback.’ But instead, they captured her continued downward spiral and health decline

Since then, Wendy has become extremely reclusive, and is hardly ever seen in public; in fact, the last time she was photographed was in February 2023.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that a brand-new, two-part Lifetime documentary about her journey, entitled Where Is Wendy Williams?, would shed new light on her downfall.

Filmmakers began following her around in 2022 – at the time hoping to document her ‘comeback.’ But instead, they captured her continued downward spiral and health decline. 

While discussing the making of the special, which premiered over the weekend, producer Mark Ford told The Hollywood Reporter that they went in to filming ‘hopeful that Wendy’s story would be redeeming.’

‘But as we filmed, it became evident that this wasn’t really going to be a career comeback story, that this was going to be a deeper story, and that there was something ultimately disturbing going on in Wendy’s life,’ he said.

He added that Wendy ‘loved it when the cameras came to the door’ and that it often ‘gave her a reason to get up in the morning.’

‘She loves the camera, and she became very close with our producers,’ he explained.

‘There was a real emotional connection that the project gave her, and honestly, it got to a point where we were more worried about what would happen to Wendy if we stopped filming then if we continued.

‘Because we ultimately knew that we have the control and we can just not air this if it can’t be moved into a positive, redeeming direction for her where we can help Wendy and hopefully other people.

‘We’re human beings. There were incredibly bad days, and there’s a lot of footage we shot that no one will ever see.

‘But we felt like it was important to illustrate the difficult process that Wendy and her family were going through, and frankly what can happen to someone if they’re under the care of a guardian.

‘We understand that it’s a polarizing project, and people have wildly different opinions about it.

‘We were constantly having conversations about whether this is worthwhile, whether this serves Wendy’s story and helps her move forward.

‘But at a certain point, the story was also about the reality of the situation that this woman finds herself in. And it’s not a pretty reality. It’s not a nice thing to watch.

‘And so we were very careful in how we depicted it and when we depicted it. And believe me, as I said, there were many things that we filmed that will never see the light of day.’

He also stated that had they known that she was suffering dementia ‘going into it, no one would’ve rolled a camera.’

Wendy’s care team confirmed that she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia – the same condition as Bruce Willis – last week, just days before the documentary came out.

‘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),’ she said in a statement released to The Associated Press afterwards. 

‘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.

‘I want to also thank the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their kind words of support and their extraordinary efforts to raise awareness of FTD.

 According to the documentary, Wendy has been living in a treatment facility since last April – and her family claim that she’s been completely isolated from them

In the special, Wendy appeared virtually unable to answer the producers’ repetitive questions, seemed confused, and would often ramble incoherently or break down in tears

She was also seen lashing out at staff and family members on numerous occasions, verbally berating and belittled them over the slightest transgression

‘I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.’ 

In the documentary, Wendy was seen lashing out at staff and family members on numerous occasions, verbally berating and belittled them over the slightest transgression. 

She appeared virtually unable to answer the producers’ repetitive questions, seemed confused, and would often ramble incoherently or break down in tears. At one point, she even admitted to downing an entire bottle of vodka.

During the special, her son spoke out about her diagnosis further, confirmed that doctors told him her condition was ‘alcohol-induced.’

Following the release of the documentary, her former manager, LaShawn Thomas (seen), questioned the care that Wendy had been receiving since she was put under the guardianship 

‘They basically said that because she was drinking so much, it was starting to affect her headspace and her brain,’ he explained. ‘So, I think they said it was alcohol-induced dementia.’

According to the documentary, Wendy has been living in a treatment facility since last April – and her family claim that she’s been completely isolated from them.

Her sister, niece, and brother told People that they didn’t know what facility she was staying at, and that she could only be visited in person by her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey.

They said they were also not allowed to proactively call her; instead, they could only speak with her if she chose to call them.

‘The people who love her cannot see her,’ her sister, Wanda, said. ‘I think the big [question] is: How the hell did we get here?

‘How did she go from this aunt or sister that we love and is healthy one minute to this person who’s in and out of the hospital? 

She shared a video of the star, which she captioned, ‘You can clearly see the difference between Wendy’s well-being [here] and in New York under this “guardianship”‘

One of her longtime friends, named Regina Shell (seen), also spoke out against Wendy’s legal guardian during an appearance on Chris Cuomo’s NewsNation series, Cuomo 

‘All I know is that Wendy and her team walked into the courtroom one way, and they walked out, and the family is completely excluded.

‘How is that system better than the system the family could put in place? I don’t know.

‘I do know that this system is broken. I hope that at some point, Wendy becomes strong enough where she can speak on her own behalf.’

Regina, who has known Wendy since she was only 13 years old, claimed that the broadcaster had ‘no access to her money’ and had to ask permission from Sabrina for any purchase she wanted to make – including meals 

Following the release of the documentary, her former manager, LaShawn Thomas, questioned the care that Wendy had been receiving since she was put under the guardianship.

She shared a video of the star sitting in a bed, drinking a smoothie, and explaining why she liked to go to the gym to her Instagram.

She claimed it was shot while Wendy was living in Florida with her son, two weeks before she said the former TV star was forced to move back to New York by the guardianship.

‘You can clearly see the difference between Wendy’s well-being during her time here in Florida with her son caring for her and her lack thereof in New York under this “guardianship,”‘ she captioned it.

‘These Wendys are not the same. How did her health deteriorate so quickly, and why isn’t her only child allowed to be by her side? She wasn’t like that when he cared for her. Ask the hard questions.’

One of her longtime friends, named Regina Shell, also spoke out against Wendy’s legal guardian during an appearance on Chris Cuomo’s NewsNation series, Cuomo.

She alleged that this sometimes meant Wendy would go hours on end without eating, which left Regina so worried that she started ordering food for her from across the country 

‘She would call to order her breakfast at 7:30 in the morning with the guardian, and she would take the order, but the order wouldn’t show up until sometimes noon,’ Regina alleged

Regina (seen with Wendy) said that when she returned home to Los Angeles, she began sending her ‘delivery service’ because she was nervous Wendy ‘wasn’t getting’ enough to eat

Regina, who has known Wendy since she was only 13 years old, claimed that the broadcaster had ‘no access to her money’ and had to ask permission from Sabrina for any purchase she wanted to make – including meals.

She alleged that this sometimes meant Wendy would go hours on end without eating, which left Regina so worried that she started ordering food for her from across the country. 

‘When I was in New York and staying with Wendy in the summer, I noticed … she had no access to her money,’ Regina shared on Monday evening.

‘Every time she had to do anything that she had to pay for, she had to go through the guardian.

‘And she would call to order her breakfast at 7:30 in the morning with the guardian, and she would take the order, but the order wouldn’t show up until sometimes noon. So Wendy wouldn’t have any food.’

Regina said that when she returned home to Los Angeles, she began sending her ‘delivery service’ because she was nervous that Wendy ‘wasn’t getting’ enough to eat.

‘When I went back to LA, I would have to send her food from Los Angeles to New York for delivery service, because she wasn’t getting…’ she trailed off.

‘The communication wasn’t there, and she had no other access to money than this guardian.

‘That’s what was concerning to me, because [Wendy] was telling me she didn’t have food.

‘[Me] and her publicist, who also lives out in LA, both of us were going back and forth sending food to Wendy because she wasn’t having access to food.’

She also questioned Wendy’s recent diagnosis, telling Chris, ‘I haven’t heard an official diagnosis from a doctor.

‘You know, I’ve heard from [her] team – and we don’t know who the team is – and from Kevin, and her nephew, Travis, but no doctor has actually confirmed these diagnoses.

‘Maybe I’m in denial because I’m so close to the issue. In reflection, I see the behaviors that could potentially be [from] such a diagnosis, but I don’t want to believe that she is in at this point unproducible. That’s not my opinion.’

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