Wendy Williams, now 60, has embarked on a mission to be liberated from the guardianship that has encompassed her life since 2022. On January 16th, the former talk show maven dialed into "The Breakfast Club" radio show, her voice resonating with emotion as she painted a picture of a "prison" she claims to be incarcerated in. Accompanied by her niece, Alex Finnie, Williams' voice wavered with tears as she steadfastly denied any cognitive impairment.
A #FreeWendy GoFundMe campaign has gained traction, aiming to assist Williams, who has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia according to her guardian, in breaking free from her guardianship constraints. At the time of writing, the campaign had raised $4,000 of its $50,000 goal.
"I am not cognitively impaired," Williams asserted clearly and concisely to hosts Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and guest host Loren LoRosa. "Yet, I feel ensnared in a prison." Finnie echoed this sentiment, portraying Williams' NYC abode as a "luxury prison" – a modest apartment confined to a bed, a chair, a TV, a bathroom, and a solitary window. Williams is confined to these four walls, forbidden from venturing outdoors or socializing. Her possessions, once displayed prominently in the controversial Lifetime documentary "Where Is Wendy Williams?", now languish in storage following the loss-making sale of her apartment.
"I am undeniably isolated," lamented Williams, who has been separated from her feline companions. "I keep the door shut, immersing myself in TV, radio, and the view from the window, as life passes me by." She revealed that the facility primarily houses individuals in their 90s, 80s, and 70s.
Williams disclosed that she receives medication daily at the facility, but she remains unaware of its purpose. Her freedom is further restricted by a locked door, which can only be opened for her. She has spent her last three birthdays in solitude.
The TV personality alleges that her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, who is suing A&E and Lifetime for exploiting Williams through the docuseries, exercises complete control over her finances and residence. Williams, who once commanded an annual salary of approximately $15 million, claims to possess merely $15 and fears retaliation for speaking out.
Morrissey has yet to respond to Yahoo Entertainment's request for comment.
When questioned about the docuseries, which she watched alongside Morrissey, Williams addressed A&E's legal counterclaim accusing Morrissey of misusing her position and failing Williams. "What do I think about being abused?" Williams pondered. "This system is flawed. It has perpetuated numerous falsehoods."
Regarding claims of cognitive impairment due to alcohol abuse and incapacitation, Williams rhetorically asked, "Do I seem that way?" Charlamagne responded, "No, considering you've been calling me five times a day for the past two weeks." Finnie concurred, stating that her aunt does not embody the definition of an incapacitated individual.
Finnie implored Morrissey to treat Williams with dignity and grant her the freedoms she deserves, including her desire to reside with her family in Miami rather than being isolated in NYC. Williams fondly recounted a recent visit for her son Kevin Hunter Jr.'s college graduation.
Tears streamed down Williams' face as she discussed her father's upcoming 94th birthday, uncertain whether she would be permitted to visit him. Even the simple act of shopping for a gift was denied her. "Morrissey, who's holding me captive, I'm unsure if she'll allow me," Williams sobbingly confessed. "My life is in shambles."
Williams also wept over the potential repercussions of her interview, fearing the confiscation of her phone. "What if they take my phone? I won't be able to communicate with anyone," she lamented. Finnie shared her fear that Morrissey might relocate Williams, severing the family's contact, as had happened previously.
The GoFundMe campaign, initiated by Friends of the Williams Family, seeks to "aid Wendy Williams' family in facilitating her return to her rightful home in Florida. For far too long, Wendy has battled against the injustice of guardianship and the misconception of incapacitation, despite her unwavering will and determination to live independently," as stated in the campaign description.
Williams was placed under guardianship in May 2022, deemed an "incapacitated person" by her Wells Fargo wealth manager. She has relentlessly fought against this ruling ever since. Williams hosted her talk show from 2008 to 2021, with the show concluding amidst the guardianship in June 2022 due to her health struggles. She vowed to return to TV once the guardianship was lifted.
