In a recent emotional interview on iHeartRadio's "The Breakfast Club," Wendy Williams, accompanied by her niece, Alex Finnie, opened up about her struggles under guardianship at a New York care facility. The 60-year-old television personality, diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in February 2024, expressed feeling like she was "in prison."
Williams described the facility's environment, noting the advanced age of other residents and the strict supervision she's under. She detailed the process of needing keys to unlock doors and use the elevator, and how staff primarily administer medications without fully explaining their purpose. Williams expressed concern about not knowing what medications she's taking. She also revealed restrictions on incoming calls, highlighting the isolation she feels.
Williams shared that she's spent her last three birthdays alone and described her situation as "emotional abuse." She became tearful when discussing her inability to travel to Miami for her father's upcoming 94th birthday, emphasizing the preciousness of time with family. Williams questioned her circumstances, asking, "My life is like f---ed up?"
A February statement from Williams' team detailed her health journey, including her struggles with Graves' Disease, Lymphedema, and her eventual diagnoses of aphasia and FTD. The statement acknowledged public speculation about her cognitive abilities, especially after instances of difficulty with language and financial matters. These conditions have significantly impacted her life.
Following the cancellation of "The Wendy Williams Show," a Lifetime documentary, "Where Is Wendy Williams?" chronicled her life and pursuit of a podcast. The documentary touched on her substance abuse issues, her guardianship, and increasingly aggressive behavior. Williams confirmed watching the documentary on her guardian's suggestion. Throughout the interview, she strongly refuted the notion of being "cognitively impaired and incapacitated." She challenged the perception with, "How dare? Do I seem that way? God d--- it."
