According to a press release from her care team, Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia.
“Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions,” the statement reads. “In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).”
In this week’s PEOPLE cover story, the family of the former Wendy Williams Show host opens up about what transpired during this difficult time, as Williams’ life spiraled into turmoil.
William’s niece, Alex Finnie, spoke out in an interview with Good Morning America about why her aunt is now choosing to share her story. She told Debroha Roberts that her aunt, Williams, sees “it as a way to take ownership of her own story.’
“I understand that people will look at it, and — some people will look at it and think that,” Finnie continued, “But I will say this, first and foremost, my aunt is the executive producer of this documentary.”
“And when I finally talked with her and I said to her, ‘Aunt Wendy, why are — do you wanna do this?’ You know, ‘You’re — you’re– you’re clearly– the health piece, all of that has to be addressed. Is now the right time?’ And she said, ‘Now is the perfect time because I wanna take ownership of my story,'” Finnie added.
The documentary, stated in its press release, will offer a “raw, honest and unfiltered reality of Wendy’s life after she was placed under financial guardianship.” The narrative will also center on “Wendy’s journey to resurrect her career, and what filmmakers discovered along the way.”
In April 2023, the documentary team concluded its filming of Williams. According to her manager Will Selby, she checked herself into a facility for treatment of “cognitive issues.” In the documentary, her son says that medical professionals have linked these problems to alcohol consumption.
Williams’ family claims that the only person who has unrestricted access to her is a legal guardian assigned by the court; she is still housed in the institution today.
Her family claims she can phone them, but they have no idea where she is or how to contact her.
“The people who love her cannot see her,”
Wanda, Wendy’s sister, told the publication, “I think the big is: How the hell did we get here?”
“The Wendy Williams Show” came to an end in February of 2022 after 14 years and over 1,500 episodes.
“Wendy loved doing the show,” says a production source. “Losing it just broke her.”
‘Where is Wendy Williams?’ will air in a two-part series on February 24 and 25 at 8PM/ET on Lifetime.
Utilizing a live TV streaming service is the most effective method to view the documentary. The network is available on several platforms’ channel lineups.
Watch the trailer below:
Credit: ABC, People, Page Six, Today