Nationwide — Wendy Williams, 60, is speaking out in her first live interview since the release of a Lifetime documentary that offered a glimpse into her life following a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. The former talk show host called in for an interview on The Breakfast Club early Thursday morning, joining guest host Loren LoRosa, along with DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God — who co-hosted a radio show with Williams in the early 2000s.
During the interview, Charlamagne revealed that Williams reached out because she felt “trapped in a conservatorship” and was unable to leave her current living situation. Williams expressed her frustration, stating, “I am not cognitively impaired. But I feel like I am in prison.” She described being surrounded by elderly individuals in their 70s, 80s, and 90s and claimed, “There’s something wrong with these people here on this floor.” Williams further criticized the system, calling her treatment “emotional abuse.”
Her niece, Alex, joined the call to support her claims. According to Alex, the facility where Williams is living is highly secure, and she faces severe restrictions. Because her previous phone is in the possession of her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, Williams can only make outgoing calls. She is also unable to leave the facility or have visitors. “They won’t allow you to take a walk, visit family, or even go on a trip,” Alex explained. She shared her own experience visiting Williams in October, describing the process as invasive and stressful, with numerous questions about her purpose and identity.
USA Today reports that Williams tearfully revealed that she wants to visit her 94-year-old father for his upcoming birthday in February but fears her guardian will not permit it. “At 94, the day after that is not promised,” she said. Alex echoed these concerns, stating that Morrissey might retaliate against them for speaking out. “She’s prepared for her phone to be taken away again,” Alex said. “What you’re hearing now is just a fraction of what we’ve been dealing with for the past several months and years.”
The family also revealed that they were not allowed to see Williams during the airing of her Lifetime documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams? Alex expressed fear that Williams might be moved to another facility without notice, further limiting contact with loved ones. Williams, who was seen in public for the first time in August after months of legal and medical battles, continues to fight for her autonomy.
In February, representatives confirmed that Williams was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023. Despite claims that Williams has input in her care, Morrissey stated in court filings that the former host is “cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated.” The filing was part of Morrissey’s lawsuit against A+E Networks, alleging that Williams was not capable of consenting to participate in the Lifetime documentary.
Source: BlackNews.com
