Wendy Williams’ Unsealed Lawsuit Against A&E Cites ‘Exploitation’ And Inability To Consent

Story by Asheea Smith

Recent court documents filed on behalf of former talk show host Wendy Williams are against Lifetime's parent company, A&E, involving the release of the documentary series, 'Where is Wendy Willams?'      

The docuseries aired as a two-night special, setting sky-high ratings for the network late February. The show detailing Williams' deteriorating mental and physical health and concerning financial situation went on to average 1.2 million viewers over two nights.

Overall, the series received 6.2 million views across linear and digital platforms. The world watched as she struggled with alcohol, family, and the downward spiraling of her unruly fame. 

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Williams' was initially told that the documentary would be "positive and beneficial" to her image.

The complaint, which was unsealed Thursday, claims that A&E's contract to shoot the documentary wasn't valid due to Williams' alleged inability to consent to the series.

"This blatant exploitation of a vulnerable woman with a serious medical condition who is beloved by millions within and outside of the African American community is disgusting, and it cannot be allowed," the document claims. 

"We look forward to the unsealing of our papers as well, as they tell a very different story," A&E shot back in a statement.

The legal battle began when Williams' appointed temporary guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, filed a lawsuit with the New York County Supreme Court against the A&E Network to block the release of the documentary, a matter set for Feb. 27.  

In that filing, Morrissey alleged Williams, 59, was "incapable of managing her own business and personal affairs, and indeed, was placed into a guardianship and under the supervision of this court."

Kannie Yu Lapack, Lifetime's Executive VP and Public Affairs, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the network appeared in person in court and decided to follow through despite the filing. Yu LaPack said, 'Where is Wendy Williams?' will "air this weekend as planned." 

"The Guardian was horrified by the release of the trailer and its contents," the filing alleges, claiming the footage falsey depicts Williams' behavior as a result of alcohol abuse rather than the result of a medical condition.

Williams' team announced her diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia just days before the launch of the series. 

Producers of the Lifetime series allege they were also shocked by the situation revealed during the documentary's filming and that their intent was to present a behind-the-scenes look into the former talk show host's comeback via a new podcast. 

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Wendy Williams’ Unsealed Lawsuit Against A&E Cites ‘Exploitation’ And Inability To Consent

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