Wendy Williams' financial guardianship raises 'red flags' after adviser attempted to block documentary: expert

Talk show host Wendy Williams was placed under a court order in 2022 after a Wells Fargo petition claimed she was a 'victim of undue influence and financial exploitation'

By Tracy Wright

Wendy Williams' return to television last weekend raised concerns among fans about their favorite television talk show host.

Last week, a representative with Williams' care team issued a statement on Wendy's behalf to "correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health," saying the former talk show host was diagnosed with "primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD)" in 2023.

While Williams has largely remained out of the spotlight the last few years, a new Lifetime documentary revealed she still has no direct access to her money after a legal guardian was appointed over her finances in 2022. Prior to the release of the documentary, a legal guardian attempted to block the project from airing, a move denied in court.

Benazeer "Benny" Roshan, partner at Greenberg Glusker and chair of the Trust and Probate Litigation Practice Group, questioned why Williams' guardian would attempt to prohibit income for the unemployed star.

"From the press accounts, Wendy’s guardianship situation sounds a little like the Netflix hit, ‘I Care a Lot.’ Media accounts appear to suggest red flags that should not be ignored if we are to learn anything from the Britney Spears conservatorship saga," Roshan said.

"A question that’s top of mind for me is, why would Williams’ guardian purportedly try to block the documentary from airing? Without disclosing the exact underlying reason, the public is left with many questions. 

"Why block a project that will inure to Wendy’s financial benefit? After all, aren’t guardians charged with safeguarding (not to mention, maximizing) their ward’s financial well-being? Time will tell whether a ‘Free Wendy’ movement is ripe here."

A Lifetime representative confirmed to Fox News Digital last week that the network was still moving forward with the release of the two-part docuseries.

A Williams representative released a statement last week saying she was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

"Lifetime appeared in court today, and the documentary ‘Where is Wendy Williams?’ will air this weekend as planned," a spokesperson wrote in a statement.

Morrissey did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

In 2022, a legal guardian was appointed for her finances and health, and court documents were sealed. Williams later filed a temporary restraining order against Wells Fargo, asking the court to "reopen any frozen accounts or assets" and grant Williams "access to any and all accompanying statements."

"After all, aren’t guardians charged with safeguarding (not to mention, maximizing) their ward’s financial well-being?"

- Benny Roshan, partner at Greenberg Glusker

According to Williams' filings to the court, the bank's move reportedly came after Williams' former financial adviser claimed Williams "was of unsound mind." The filing did not "specify who or what is exploiting or unduly influencing Williams," according to People magazine.

The bank reportedly maintained that Williams' financial adviser "witnessed telltale signs of exploitation, including [Williams'] own expressed apprehensions, but also upon other independent third-parties who know [Williams] well and share these concerns."

"One judge and three doctors say my money is still stuck at Wells Fargo, and I’m going to tell you something. If it happens to me, it could happen to you," Williams said in the documentary.

Williams' self-titled show was canceled in June 2022. (Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank / Getty Images)

"Wendy appears to be under a financial guardianship, which means all of her financial decisions are made by a third-party, court-appointed person who makes all the financial decisions on behalf of Ms. Williams and owes her a panoply of fiduciary obligations," Roshan told Fox News Digital.

She noted that guardianships are "fairly common in cases where the impacted individual suffers from obvious cognitive impairments, as in Ms. Williams' case, and do not have a designated person such as a power of attorney or successor trustee to step up to the plate when needed to assist."

Williams' son, Kevin Jr., was scrutinized for spending her money but, in the documentary, denied he ever exploited her. 

"I've never taken [money] without her consent," he said.

"My mom made me power of attorney because, at that time, the banks started accusing the family of doing things that weren’t true and saying that my mom wasn’t fit to make choices." 

Her nephew, Travis Finnie, who was also helping with her care in Florida, said the bank questioned a $100,000 purchase amount. He recalled Kevin's birthday party that Williams booked totaling more than $100,000, Kevin's rent was $80,000 and his UberEats bill "probably exceeded $100,000."

"For them to have a court case and rip him away from taking care of his mother, it’s very questionable," Travis said.

In 2022, a legal guardian was appointed for her finances and health, and court documents were sealed.  (Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank  / Getty Images)

When a producer asked if Williams still supported Kevin Jr., Wendy became emotional and said, "I’ve got so much money. I want it for my son."

"This matter was conducted under seal. Any claims against Wells Fargo have been dismissed," representatives for Wells Fargo told Fox News Digital.

There's still hope for Williams to regain her independence from the guardianship, according to Roshan.

"Cognitive impairment comes in many forms, and from litigated precedent (in California), cognition may be restored with treatment and care in some cases. For instance, in Britney Spears’ case, it appeared from court files that she had arguably regained her cognitive capacity long before her conservatorship was terminated," Roshan said.

The 59-year-old television personality was diagnosed with the conditions in 2023, her representatives confirmed in a statement Thursday. Last week, Williams' representatives shared a personal statement from the talk show host that was facilitated by her care team. 

"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)," Williams wrote. "Let me say, wow!  Your response has been overwhelming.

Williams strayed from the public eye and is reportedly under the care of a court-appointed guardian. (Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images)

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

Williams' brother, Tommy Williams Jr., told Us Weekly his sister is on the mend now that she's living in an undisclosed treatment center. 

"When I speak to Wendy, she sounds fine. Wendy has improved," he said. "I know my sister from where she was to where she is now, and she has a substantial amount of improvement. It’s dialogue and conversation, topics, content, speech pattern, everything.

"The past was obvious. We saw it. She was in a worse state, and the [documentary] depicted it. Now [she is in] a different state."

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Wendy Williams' financial guardianship raises 'red flags' after adviser attempted to block documentary: expert

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"I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated," said Williams in a rare statement, shared by her rep on Friday.

by Carly Thomas

Wendy Williams in 2019 Lars Niki/Getty Images for New York Women in Film & Television

Wendy Williams is speaking out for the first time following her recent primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia diagnosis (FTD).

A representative for the former talk show host shared a statement from Williams with The Hollywood Reporter Friday: “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.”

The statement continued, “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. I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.”

The statement from Jennifer Hanley of Ridge Hill Group comes on the heels of Williams’ care team sharing the news on Thursday that she was officially diagnosed after undergoing medical tests last year.

Her team said in a statement that aphasia, a condition that impacts a person’s speech, and frontotemporal dementia, a disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, “have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”

The Lifetime docuseries airing this weekend, Where Is Wendy Williams?, is set to chronicle the ex-TV host’s physical and mental decline. The two-night docuseries began filming Williams following the June 2022 cancellation of her hit daytime talk show, and stopped filming Williams when she checked into an unknown facility in April 2023 and went under the care of a court-appointed financial guardian, who had been unknown publicly and to Williams’ family featured in the documentary. Williams remains a credited executive producer on the project, as she has a three-picture deal with Lifetime.

Two days before the documentary’s release, Williams’ court-appointed caregiver was publicly identified to be Sabrina Morrissey, as she filed a lawsuit on Thursday for injunctive relief against Lifetime parent company A+E Networks.

On Friday, the complaint was vacated and a rep for Lifetime confirmed to THR that Where is Wendy Williams? “will air this weekend as planned.” 

Morrissey was appointed caregiver for Williams when, following the cancellation of The Wendy Williams Show, the TV personality’s then-financial adviser alleged in late 2022 in a New York court that she was of “unsound mind,” leading the bank Wells Fargo to petition to have Williams placed under temporary financial guardianship. Williams remains in a facility under Morrissey’s care today and is still unreachable by anyone other than Morissey.

Jackie Strause contributed to this report.

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Wendy Williams Breaks Silence on Aphasia and Dementia Diagnosis: “Immense Gratitude”

Wendy Williams’ Guardian Sues Lifetime Parent Company A+E Networks Ahead of Documentary

Days before the four-and-a-half-hour special chronicling the ex-TV host's physical and mental decline is set to air, Sabrina Morrissey filed a lawsuit seeking injunctive relief. 

by Kevin Dolak

Wendy Williams Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

Two days before a major documentary chronicling Wendy Williams’ deteriorating mental state is scheduled to premiere on Lifetime, the beleaguered former talk show host’s court-appointed caregiver filed a lawsuit against Lifetime parent company A+E Networks.

Sabrina Morrissey filed the sealed lawsuit for injunctive relief on Thursday in New York County Supreme Court. The suit says that Morrissey — whose identity as the individual appointed by the court in 2022 to look after Williams had been unknown publicly and to Williams’ family — is “acting in her capacity as Temporary Guardian.”  

The complaint, which sought a temporary restraining order, names A+E Networks, the parent company of Lifetime, and Entertainment One Reality Productions, which produced the four-and-a-half-hour documentary set to air over two nights, this coming Saturday and Sunday. 

On Friday, Appellate Justice Peter H. Moulton vacated a temporary restraining order signed ex parte, ruling that such an order would be “impermissible prior restraint on speech that violates the First Amendment of the Constitution.”

Moulton continued to keep the case documents sealed, but a court date on the matter has been set for Tuesday, Feb. 27.

Lifetime’s executive vp, publicity, public affairs and social media Kannie Yu LaPack confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Lifetime appeared in court on Friday, but she did not share any details on the proceedings. Yu LaPack also said that the Where is Wendy Williams? “will air this weekend as planned.” 

Filmed between August 2022 and April 2023, the two-part Where Is Wendy Williams? chronicles the former shock jock turned daytime sensation as her health and mental state spiral downward. Williams’ representatives disclosed on Thursday that she has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia; Williams also has the autoimmune disorder Graves’ disease and lymphedema, which is the buildup of fluid in soft body tissues; along with her alcohol addiction, these ailments are documented in the Lifetime film.

Williams is an executive producer on the raw documentary, originally conceived as a behind-the-scenes look at the relaunch of her career via a new podcast. The production crew began to follow the former host of The Wendy Williams Show in late August 2022, but given her physical and mental state, the focus pivoted to her struggles with addiction and autoimmune disorders.

In a moment from the documentary shared exclusively with People, Williams sits down with her friend Angela “Blac Chyna” White — the former reality TV player known for her romantic relationship with Rob Kardashian. White, 35, had stopped in to Williams’ New York apartment, where the two had a heart-to-heart in which Williams removed her wig, revealing her real hair. Later in the clip, she takes off her shoes to expose her feet, showing White just how her lymphedema has damaged them.

Morrissey was appointed caregiver for Williams amid her public downfall; the TV personality’s then-financial adviser alleged in late 2022 in a New York court that she was of “unsound mind,” leading the bank Wells Fargo to petition to have Williams placed under temporary financial guardianship.

Williams remains in a facility under Morrissey’s care today and is still unreachable by anyone other than the heretofore publicly unknown woman. A call placed by The Hollywood Reporter to Morrissey was not immediately returned. 

Feb. 23, 12:13 p.m. This story has been updated with a comment from Lifetime.
Feb. 23, 1:45 p.m. This story has been updated with the appellate court ruling in the case.

Hilary Lewis contributed to this report.

Full Article & Source:
Wendy Williams’ Guardian Sues Lifetime Parent Company A+E Networks Ahead of Documentary

Wendy Williams diagnosed with aphasia, frontotemporal dementia: What to know ahead of documentary release

by Suzy Byrne

Where is Wendy Williams? In treatment, her family says, but they don't know much more than that. (Calvin Gayle)

Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The television personality was diagnosed with both conditions last year “after undergoing a battery of medical tests,” according to a press release.

Aphasia is a medical condition that can affect someone's ability to speak as well as to write and understand language, both verbal and written, according to Mayo Clinic. FTD, a form of dementia that impacts more than 500,000 Americans each year, can affect behavior, personality, language and movement. (Actor Bruce Willis was also diagnosed with FTD in 2023 after his aphasia worsened.) Both conditions “have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy's life,” according to the statement.

The news comes ahead of the release of Where Is Wendy Williams?, the new Lifetime documentary that looks at the famed TV host’s disappearance from the spotlight amid personal, health and money woes. It’s also a question that some of her closest relatives can’t answer.

What is the new Wendy Williams doc about?

Williams, 59, didn’t host the final season of her eponymous talk show from August 2021 to June 2022. She kept postponing her return to the purple throne she commanded for 12 years and worried fans as she was snapped needing assistance coming and going from wellness centers. Williams’s finances were frozen by her former wealth manager at Wells Fargo, who claimed she was “incapacitated” and “of unsound mind,” resulting in the TV star being put under guardianship.

That’s where things were when a documentary film crew began filming Williams in August 2022. The purported goal was to capture her comeback as she attempted to start a podcast. However, Williams — who has an executive producer credit on the doc — was plagued by alcoholism in addition to preexisting health issues (Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder and lymphedema, which causes tissue swelling).

Filming halted in April 2023 when Williams was found in her apartment with her eyes rolled back into her head, producers told People magazine. Williams was put into a facility to treat cognitive issues, which her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., said in the film are connected to alcohol use.

In the trailer for the doc, Williams seems confused and becomes angry when asked if she drank a bottle of alcohol in a day. Her family members express concern over her cognitive abilities, as well as her inner circle and guardian.

Where is Williams?

While the doc reveals Williams went into inpatient treatment nearly a year ago, some of the participants — including her sister — have no idea where she is living today.

Wanda Finnie, Williams’s sister, and Alex Finnie, her niece, told People magazine that Williams is in a better place physically and mentally. Wanda had just spoken to her one day prior and reported: She’s doing “really great” and is “not the person that you see in this film.” Alex said Williams had done “a 180” to where she had been physically, mentally and emotionally.

Yet further into the article, Williams’s relatives reveal that they don’t know where she’s being treated. They don’t know what kind of treatments are taking place. They can’t contact her directly. They only hear from Williams if she calls.

Wendy Williams on the Walk of Fame in 2019. (Michael Tran/FilmMagic)

They blame the lack of communication on Williams’s guardian, whose identity is private. According to the family, that person is the only one with full access to Williams.

In the doc, Williams claims that the guardian stole money from her, but filmmakers said she didn’t provide evidence.

Nearly one year after she was put into treatment, “The people who love her cannot see her,” Wanda told the outlet. “I think the big [question] is: How the hell did we get here?”

How is Williams now?

According to Thursday's statement, receiving aphasia and FTD diagnoses has enabled Williams “to receive the medical care she requires.”

The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances. Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.

There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support, and care they deserve and need.

Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.

Questions remain

Lifetime did not make an advance screener of the documentary available to Yahoo Entertainment by press time, but People had access to it. According to the outlet, the doc looks at Williams’s spiral in the final years of her onetime hit show.

In those final years, Williams passed out on the show, exhibited slurred speech, appeared disoriented and took (multiple) extended breaks. She said she was being treated for Graves’ disease, only to have tabloids out her for secretly moving into a sober house.

Things came to a head in April 2019 when she filed for divorce from her husband of nearly 21 years, Kevin Hunter Sr., as he welcomed a child with another woman. He was axed as executive producer on her show. Their son was arrested for allegedly getting into an altercation with “Big Kev.”

Williams’s brother Tommy told People that the end of her marriage put her into a “dark space.”

Multiple staffers told the outlet that Williams, who had previously battled cocaine addiction, “would be drunk on air” in the show’s final years. Co-executive producer Suzanne Bass said they saw her “struggling,” but “she pushed us away” when they tried to help.

As part of the broadcast, Lifetime will direct viewers to resources including SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness).

– Taryn Ryder contributed to this report

Correction: The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, per the CDC. An earlier version of this story misstated that it was FTD.

Where Is Wendy Williams? airs Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.

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Wendy Williams Breaks Down Crying Over Finances in Documentary Trailer: 'I Have No Money'

Wendy Williams Breaks Down Crying Over Finances in Documentary Trailer: 'I Have No Money'

 

Author: Anthony Dominic‍

Wendy Williams is opening up like never before about her struggles with alcohol abuse and the financial challenges she faces under a court-appointed guardianship following the end of her daytime talk show, The Wendy Williams Show.

On Friday, Lifetime released the first trailer for their two-party documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams?, and the 59-year-old TV personality gets emotional during her sit-down interview. "If it could happen to me, it could happen to you," she says of her adversities.

The emotionally charged trailer shows Wendy visibly distressed as she discusses the financial strain resulting from her guardianship. "I have no money," she declares, providing a glimpse into the personal turmoil that has surrounded her life since the end of her talk show.

Lifetime

The documentary also has interviews from her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., her sister, Wanda Williams, and other family members as they rally to support Wendy. 

Wanda empathizes with her sister's struggles, stating, "We all make choices in life. We all go through our challenges. She's still a person."

Meanwhile, Kevin criticizes the court-appointed guardian, asserting that they haven't effectively protected the former talk show host. Wanda echoes this sentiment, calling the system "broken."

Lifetime

"We are her family," Wanda declares, tears welling up, "and you tell me that I'm not capable of taking care of my sister. What would you do? What should I do?"

In February 2022, Wells Fargo alleged that Wendy was of "unsound mind" and required guardianship due to purported "undue influence and financial exploitation." Wendy has vehemently denied these claims and has demanded the return of her money.

Lifetime

Although still under guardianship, the trailer suggests that Wendy is now prioritizing time with her family. "I love being famous," she declares, "but family is everything -- everything."

In a previous attempt to address her struggles, Wendy checked into a treatment facility in June 2023 to confront her battle with alcohol addiction, a move prompted by concerns from her son about the potential fatal consequences of her addiction.

Where is Wendy Williams?, a four-and-a-half-hour, two-night documentary event, will premier Saturday, Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 at 8pm ET/PT on Lifetime.

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Wendy Williams Breaks Down Crying Over Finances in Documentary Trailer: 'I Have No Money'

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Wendy Williams Seen for First Time in a Year in Devastating Lifetime Documentary Trailer

The TV star reemerges two years after leaving her daytime talk show due to health problems in a candid first look for her new documentary. 

By James Hibberd

Wendy Williams has reemerged into public view in an emotional new trailer for her upcoming Lifetime documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams?

The trailer (below) shows the beloved former talk show host, 59, tearfully struggling with health issues amid her family and friends striving to offer their support. The footage is often difficult to watch, as Williams has clearly suffered mentally and physically.

“I have no money, and I’m gonna tell you something,” Williams says in the trailer. “If it happens to me, it could happen to you.” 

“Mom has done a great job making it seem like everything is OK always, but in reality, there is something wrong,” says her son Kevin Hunter Jr. “My mom always talks about how she wants to work, but I think she’s worked enough. She has people around her who are ‘yes’ people that have allowed this to continue.”

At one point, an unseen man asks if she drank a bottle of what appears to be liquor and Williams orders him to “keep the bottle there.”

The documentary has had “unparalleled access” to Williams and her family for nearly two years, per the description.

The official description reads: “After Wendy Williams was placed under a financial guardianship and her hit talk show was unexpectedly canceled, she was determined to make a career comeback. Opening the doors to her private life like never before, cameras chronicled her comeback journey to reclaim her life and legacy despite facing health issues and personal turbulence. With unparalleled access granted by Wendy to film with her and her family for nearly two years, what was captured was not what anyone expected. The documentary provides a raw, honest and unfiltered reality of Wendy’s life after she was placed under financial guardianship, shedding light on the vulnerabilities that has turned Wendy into the Hot Topic herself. Suffering mental and physical issues, Wendy’s delicate state of mind, erratic behavior and declining health were all captured by the cameras. Where Is Wendy Williams? is the story of Wendy’s journey to resurrect her career, and what filmmakers discovered along the way. But many questions remain — who truly has Wendy’s best interest at heart? Is she healthy now?”  

Williams was a syndicated daytime talk show queen for 12 years until The Wendy Williams Show was canceled due to her health issues. She first sparked fears for her health in 2017 when she fainted live on-air. She previously spoke openly about ongoing issues with substance abuse. In 2022, The Hollywood Reporter extensively reported on Williams’ behind-the-scenes struggles on the show.   

The four-and-half hour, two-night documentary Where Is Wendy Williams? will debut Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24 and 25, at 8 p.m. On the Friday night prior, Lifetime will encore the biopic Wendy Williams: The Movie and her 2021 documentary, Wendy Williams: What a Mess.

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Wendy Williams’ son Kevin Jr gets power of attorney as Wells Fargo freezes her accounts

Wells Fargo bank has reportedly frozen all the host’s accounts claiming she 'is the victim of undue influence and financial exploitation' 

By Divya Kishore

Wendy Williams and son Kevin Hunter Jr. attend her being honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 17, 2019, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Wendy Williams has now taken the help of her 21-year-old son as her legal fight with Wells Fargo bank continues. The multinational financial services company has reportedly frozen all the host’s accounts claiming she “is the victim of undue influence and financial exploitation”. And as her lawyers fight to regain access, Kevin Hunter Jr has been given the power of attorney in her lawsuit against the bank.

The step was taken after Wells Fargo refused to talk to Kevin about her mother’s accounts containing millions of dollars without the power of attorney, as claimed by Williams’ lawyer. The attorney also said, “Wendy wanted online access to her accounts. Wendy wanted Little Kevin to begin to take on responsibilities,” before stating, “The only transaction that anyone tried to make is Wendy attempting to place a power of attorney in the files so that if there were any inquiries, she could have her son make them.”

The lawyer added: “No one attempted to purchase a car or buy property or anything like that. She just wanted online access to her account. We had submitted the power of attorney paperwork to Wells Fargo and they refused to honor it.”

Wendy Williams attends the Chiara Boni front row during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Gallery II at Spring Studios on September 07, 2019, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows)

This comes after Williams' case against the bank was sealed. Attorney David H Pikus while representing Wells Fargo wrote to New York Supreme Court Judge Arlene Bluth, “We are concerned about [Williams’] situation. It is our hope that the Guardianship Part [of the court] will imminently appoint a temporary guardian or evaluator to review the situation and ensure that [Williams’] affairs are being properly handled.”

But the 57-year-old businesswoman refused the bank’s allegations and her lawyer LaShawn Thomas told Page Six, “Wendy wants the world to know that she strenuously denies all allegations about her mental health and well-being. [She is] disappointed about falsely circulated statements from an industry she has devoted her life to. Wendy is grateful for the love and the outpouring of support she has received from her fans, and she can’t wait to get back.”

Wendy Williams attends her being honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 17, 2019, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

“She thanks everyone who has been patiently awaiting her return and believes that, thanks in large part to the love and support of her son, her family, her new team of doctors and a change of scenery, she is on the mend,” Thomas added.

Reports have also said the ‘Think Like A Man’ host had written several letters to Wells Fargo requesting them to give access to her accounts but to no avail. She had said, “I have submitted multiple written requests to Wells Fargo and I have visited various Wells Fargo branches in the South Florida area in an effort to resolve this matter outside of the courtroom. I have defaulted and I am at risk of defaulting on several billing and financial obligations, including, but not limited to, mortgage payments and employee payroll.”

Wendy Williams (L) poses for a photo with her son Kevin Hunter Jr. (C) as she officially unveils her Madame Tussauds wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York on May 10, 2021, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Madame Tussauds New York)

Meanwhile, Williams’ case has attracted a lot of attention online. A user recently tweeted, “Within the past 12 months Wendy Williams was reporting on Britney’s conservatorship. Now she is potentially being forced into one. We all need to pay attention and really think about what’s happening here. It could happen to any of us.” The second user said, “The fact that Wells Fargo… a bank… is legally filing for Wendy Williams to be in a financial conservatorship is terrifying.”  (Continue reading)

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Wendy Williams Enters Wellness Facility Due to 'Overall Health Issues'

The TV personality is seeking help to manage her health as she hopes to make “a major comeback” in her career

 

 By Vanessa Etienne

Wendy Williams is taking steps toward getting her health on track.

The 58-year-old TV personality has reportedly entered a wellness facility, seeking help as she hopes to manage her "overall health issues."

"She is taking some time to focus on her health and wellness as she prepares for a major comeback for the next level in her career with The Wendy Experience Podcast," a press release from her publicist Shawn Zanotti states. "Ms. Williams is being treated by a team of some of the best doctors in the world. We ask for your prayers and well wishes during this time."

Earlier this year, Williams' ongoing health concerns previously kept her from returning to host The Wendy Williams Show, which was delayed twice before Leah Remini stepped in to guest host. Other stars were later tapped to do the same, including Michael Rapaport, Whitney Cummings and Jerry Springer. 

Wendy Williams. Photo: Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Sherri Shepherd proved to be a fan-favorite among the guest hosts, even scoring season-high ratings during her initial stint last November. It was later announced that the 54-year-old was given her own namesake talk show, Sherri, that would take over Williams' program's time slot. With that, Williams' own show concluded after more than a decade on-air.  

"She understands why this decision was made from a business point of view," Howard Bragman, a rep for Williams, said in a statement in February. "She has been assured by Debmar-Mercury that should her health get to a point where she can host again and should her desire be that she hosts again that she would be back on TV at that time." 

At the time, she had tested positive with a breakthrough COVID-19 case amid other ongoing health complications tied to her Graves' disease.

In March, Williams appeared on Good Morning America and assured she was "absolutely" of "sound mind" following speculation about her health.

"When people want control of their accounts, they say anything, including something crazy like that about me," she said.

"[My] health is very well. And I've actually had a few appointments," Williams continued. "You know, I'm 57 now and I have the mind and body of a 25-year-old." 

Full Article & Source:

Wendy Williams Enters Wellness Facility Due to 'Overall Health Issues' 

 

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Wendy Williams’ Bank Insists She Needs Guardianship Amid Health Issues: ‘We Are Concerned’

 

SHOCK CLAIMS Wendy Williams’ bank calls her an ‘incapacitated person’ who is possible ‘victim of financial exploitation’ in lawsuit

NOT IN CONTROL Why Wendy Williams’ family including son Kevin Jr ‘will NOT file for guardianship of star amid serious health issues’

by Jessica Finn

WENDY Williams' family, including her son Kevin Jr., will not file for guardianship of the star amid her serious health issues, per sources.

The former queen of daytime TV has been locked in a bitter legal battle with Wells Fargo over access to her bank accounts, and as The Sun previously reported that case has been rolled over into a guardianship case in a New York state court, with her former manager Bernie Young, 75, vying for control of her and her estate.  

Wendy Williams is in the center of a contentious guardianship case in New YorkCredit: Getty

Wendy has several family members who could step into guardianship role but have notCredit: Tommy Williams/Facebook

Meanwhile, Wendy, 57, has several family members around her who could try to step into the role of guardian, but a close source said they don't believe control over the host's affairs is necessary, as they feel she is capable of handling her own matters. 

"Wendy has plenty of people in her orbit that could step in and go up against Bernie for guardianship but the family is adamant- they don't think she needs one," an insider told The Sun.  

Wendy's sister Wanda has worked as an attorney and is an advocate for kids alongside the child welfare system in Florida, and their brother Tommy is a teacher. 

The famous TV star and her siblings have gotten closer in recent months and have been spotted out together several times as she has been recovering nearby in Florida from health issues.

"No one in her family feels like she needs guardianship in place, they believe she is capable of handling her own life," the source claimed.  

Additionally, Wendy's son, Kevin Jr., 21, has power of attorney over his mother, as The Sun previously reported, but is also not filing for guardianship, according to the insider, because neither he nor his mother believes one is necessary.  

Sources close to Wendy have insisted that the star's health has been improving since she first moved to Florida to be with family while she recovers from a myriad of medical crises.     

GOING FOR CONTROL

Multiple sources told The Sun that Wendy's former manager Bernie, 75, is pursuing guardianship over the ailing star.  

Meanwhile, one source exclusively alleged that Bernie, who Wendy fired at the start of this year, used her American Express card to pay for the hiring of attorney Carolyn Wolf at powerhouse law firm Abrams Fensterman, LLP to pursue guardianship over the mom of one.   

Carolyn’s impressive bio on the law firm’s website touts her expertise in the field of guardianship cases, along with her specific experience within various focuses of mental health and hygiene law.  

Recently, Wendy addressed Bernie in a rare video that she shared to Instagram, in which she accused her axed manager of using her “American Express card to hire an attorney to file a petition against” her. 

Wendy’s former manager Bernie has not responded to The Sun’s repeated requests for comment.   

IS WENDY OKAY?

As The Sun previously reported, the former daytime presenter has been battling medical problems for some time and ultimately lost The Wendy Williams Show after a months-long absence.     

A source close to the show previously told The Sun: “The spark is gone. That Wendy, who for ten years had that spark in her eyes, that cheeky grin and that little wink is not the same now.”          

The insider added some days are better than others for the once feisty daytime diva.            

“She’s not always functioning like she used to be. She has days where she needs help eating, getting out of bed and getting dressed."      

Wendy's son, Kevin Jr., has not filed for guardianship over his motherCredit: Getty

The 21-year-old currently holds power of attorney over the starCredit: Instagram

Full Article & Source:

NOT IN CONTROL Why Wendy Williams’ family including son Kevin Jr ‘will NOT file for guardianship of star amid serious health issues’