The guardianship of TV personality Wendy Williams is currently under scrutiny by New York City’s Adult Protective Services (APS). This investigation was triggered following her hospitalization for a mental health evaluation on March 10, 2025.
Understanding Adult Protective Services (APS)
The Adult Protective Services Program, as outlined on the NYC Human Resources Administration website, provides essential support to adults who may be physically or mentally impaired. Their primary mission includes helping these individuals maintain safety and security within their homes.
Background on Wendy Williams’ Conservatorship
Wendy Williams, the former talk show host, has been under a court-mandated conservatorship since 2022, largely due to ongoing health challenges. Her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, was appointed after Williams was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, which led her to enter a care facility last February.
Recently, Wendy Williams has openly contested her cognitive disability diagnosis. In a January 2025 interview on The Breakfast Club, she expressed feelings of entrapment, referring to her situation as akin to being in “prison.”
The Investigation’s Genesis
The investigation by APS was initiated following a distressing event at Wendy Williams’ assisted living facility. On March 10, a handwritten note from her was dropped out of a window, pleading for assistance:
“Help! Wendy!”
Emergency responders arrived promptly, transporting her to Lennox Hill Hospital for a psychological assessment. During this examination, she successfully navigated a “capacity test”consisting of ten questions designed to gauge her mental alertness and orientation.
Concerns Raised by Care Staff
The APS investigation was prompted by a caregiver named Ginalisa Monterroso from the facility. Monterroso expressed that she had significant concerns regarding Wendy’s legal rights, personal autonomy, and overall well-being. Her letter to APS highlighted a need for immediate attention regarding Wendy’s circumstances.
“Significant concerns regarding (Wendy’s) legal rights, personal autonomy, and overall well-being, which warrant immediate attention.”
Monterroso reported that Williams was confined to a memory care unit and required permission to leave, despite her assertion that Wendy was not incapacitated. This raised questions about Sabrina Morrissey’s integrity as a guardian, suggesting that she may be misrepresenting Wendy Williams’ true mental and emotional state to the court, thereby contributing to Wendy’s unjust confinement.
“(Morrissey) may be misrepresenting Ms. Williams’s actual mental and emotional state to the courts…”
Family Support and Legal Actions
Wendy’s niece, Alex Finnie, was contacted by APS for insights into the restrictions placed upon Williams since entering guardianship. Finnie has publicly supported her aunt, describing the assisted living facility as a “luxury prison”and affirming that Wendy feels trapped.
In addition to the APS investigation, reports have surfaced of a separate inquiry being conducted by the NYPD. Recent updates indicate that Wendy Williams has reached out to attorney Joe Tacopina, known for his successful representation of A$AP Rocky, to potentially help her challenge the conservatorship. However, it remains unverified whether Tacopina will represent her.
As for Sabrina Morrissey, there has yet to be any public response to the ongoing developments related to Wendy’s guardianship.