Wendy Williams Discusses Guardianship and Health on The View
Wendy Williams recently participated in a phone interview with the hosts of The View, shortly after an incident involving a welfare check led police to escort the former daytime television star from her Manhattan assisted living facility. Williams has been living there since her diagnosis with dementia and aphasia in 2023.
Hospital Visit and Cognitive Evaluation
This past Tuesday, Williams left her residence under the guidance of a court-appointed guardian and was taken to a New York hospital for evaluation. Williams asserted that during her hospital visit, she successfully passed a cognitive test. She shared with The View that after her medical check-up, she enjoyed a dinner outing before returning to her facility in Manhattan. On Wednesday, she elaborated on her situation during an appearance on The Breakfast Club radio show.
Wendy’s Perspective on Guardianship
“I just needed a breath of fresh air,” Williams explained to the panel of hosts. “I went to the hospital to see a doctor and had blood drawn for my thyroid. Most importantly, I wanted an independent evaluation regarding my incapacitation.” She firmly expressed her disagreement with the label placed on her condition, stating, “They say I have incapacitation… I do not.”
Discontent with Current Guardian
The conversation took a more personal turn as Williams voiced her displeasure regarding her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey. Diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, Williams claimed Morrissey has streamlined multiple aspects of her life, including her living arrangements in a facility’s memory ward where she feels out of place with much older residents. In a previous statement, Morrissey characterized Williams as “cognitively impaired, permanently disabled, and legally incapacitated.”
“I don’t want Sabrina [Morrissey], period,” Williams declared to the hosts.
Emotional Revelations
During the interview, host Sunny Hostin expressed gratitude for Williams’ past support throughout her broadcasting career. When asked about maintaining her spirits, Williams grew increasingly emotional, discussing her struggles with Morrissey’s control and the decision of the judge to impose guardianship. Despite occasional confusion in her speech, she insisted on her competence.
“I’m a college-educated woman… I’ve been doing important things all of my life,” Williams remarked, challenging the authority of both the guardian and the judge. “I need a new guardian, and then, I’ll get out of guardian.”
Insight from Advocates
After a brief commercial break, the segment continued with Ginalisa Monterroso from Connect Care Advisory Group, who has been advocating for Williams. Monterroso detailed the origins of the guardianship, explaining that it began when Wells Fargo identified suspicious activity in Williams’ accounts, leading to her current situation.
“Wendy didn’t realize that this person was going to take her whole entire life,” Monterroso noted.
Recovery and Future Aspirations
Later in the interview, Williams re-engaged with clarity, particularly when discussing her journey with addiction. “Looking forward, my relationship [with drugs and alcohol] is fine,” she stated, mentioning her efforts to remain alcohol-free. She did admit, however, to having celebrated her birthday last year with alcohol.
Message to Fans
In closing her segment, Williams shared news about her beloved purple chair from her daytime talk show, assuring fans, “When it comes out of storage, I’m keeping it with me for my life.”
Guardian’s Statement
A statement read on air from Morrissey highlighted that the guardianship was established by judicial decree following Williams’ diagnosis of frontal temporal dementia. Morrissey emphasized that Williams is receiving appropriate medical care and has not been isolated from her family.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Morrissey and Monterroso for further comments.