Wendy Williams, the vibrant and outspoken media personality, has recently made headlines as she speaks out about her ongoing guardianship and mental health. In a call to “The View,” Wendy asserted her independence, denying claims about her mental capacity and expressing her desire to terminate the guardianship she feels is unjustly imposed upon her. She emphasized her capability by mentioning she has passed mental evaluations, demonstrating her competence and determination to regain control of her life.
The guardianship, overseen by Sabrina Morrissey, was initially established due to financial concerns raised by Wells Fargo, which led to a court-appointed oversight. Wendy initially agreed to this arrangement, believing it would protect her finances, but now feels it has become overly restrictive. Her son was implicated in mismanaging her funds, though he denied these allegations. The situation gained public attention with the release of the Lifetime docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?,” which explores her life under guardianship and her struggles with sobriety, despite Morrissey’s legal attempts to halt its release.
Wendy’s medical journey includes openness about her physical health issues, such as Graves’ disease and lymphedema. However, her recent dementia diagnosis has led to claims of incapacitation by her guardian, which she vehemently disputes. She has shared that she passed competency tests, including identifying the current president, showcasing her mental clarity and challenging the narrative of her incapacity.
The docuseries has sparked significant legal battles, with Morrissey suing to prevent its airing, though the judge allowed it. The series, which Wendy co-produced, provides insight into her life under guardianship, though its availability is now halted due to ongoing litigation. The production team maintains they were unaware of her dementia diagnosis until late in filming, further complicating the situation.
Support for Wendy has grown through the #FreeWendy movement, led by her niece Alex Finnie, who advocates for her aunt’s autonomy. This movement highlights concerns about race, as two white women control the affairs of a successful Black woman, resonating with many who see it as a broader issue of systemic injustice. Wendy’s recent public appearances have bolstered this movement, with many noting her coherence and strength.
Looking ahead, Wendy is resolute in her desire to end the guardianship and reclaim her life. Despite fears of repercussions, she remains focused on her future, committed to sobriety and regaining control of her finances and personal life. Her determination and resilience continue to inspire her supporters, who eagerly await her return to the public eye, perhaps once again gracing her iconic purple chair.
