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The story behind Wendy Williams‘ health and well-being has been questioned for years. Once a mainstay in morning TV, Williams’ departure was shrouded in mystery. Conflicting stories made it unclear what state Williams is in and what is next for her. Now, a new documentary that shows the raw reality of the beloved talk show host’s new normal paints a jarring picture. TMZ reports that Williams’ guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, is currently in a lawsuit against A&E, the parent company of Lifetime airing Where Is Wendy Williams. The nature of the lawsuit is sealed and has not been publicized.
The Team Around the Talk Show Host Allegedly Signed Off on the Documentary
Mark Ford, the executive producer of the documentary, tells PEOPLE that “Wendy’s attorneys and the guardianship attorneys were consulted and signed off on” the project. A disclaimer that airs at the beginning of each installment reiterates this.
The documentary originally aimed at following Williams’ return to entertainment via podcasting but ended up focusing on her struggles with her health and the concerns those around her had amid her progressing condition.
“The film was signed off on by Wendy, her management, her attorneys, the guardianship. They were aware of the filming all the way through. So, we did go by the book and get all the permissions that we needed to get. We went into this film thinking it was one thing, and the truth turned out to be another. Once we started seeing the truth of the situation, we couldn’t ignore it. And the film had to go in the direction of the truth.”
Mark Ford, PEOPLE, Feb. 2024
Williams Released a Statement About Her Recently-Publicized Diagnosis
On Friday, Williams gave a statement to PEOPLE exclusively as the news of her diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia went public. Williams shared “immense gratitude” for the response to her health news.
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. The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”
“I hope that others with FTD may benefit from my story. 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,” Williams added. “I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.”
Wendy Williams, PEOPLE, Feb. 2024
Williams is currently in treatment. Fans are concerned about the talk show host, but they are hopeful this is best for her. The details of what her treatment entails are not public. Family members are claiming, however, that they have no knowledge of where that facility is or how to contact her there. They do say Williams is able to reach out herself, but they want a more active role in her care.
“The people who love her cannot see her,” noted her sister, Wanda Williams, when speaking with PEOPLE. “I think the big [question] is: How the hell did we get here?”
There’s still a lot of mystery around Williams’ life and treatment in this new chapter. Fans are rooting for her to live the best version of her life she can as she lives with her new diagnosis.