Wendy Williams has spoken out for the first time since revealing her diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter on Friday, Williams expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming love and support she has received since sharing her diagnosis. She acknowledged the power of unity and compassion in the messages she has received and hopes that her story will be beneficial to others dealing with FTD. Williams also extended her thanks to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their support and efforts to raise awareness of the condition.
However, Williams also emphasized her need for personal space and peace in order to thrive, while also expressing her appreciation for the positivity and encouragement from her supporters.
This statement comes after Williams’ care team confirmed her diagnosis on Thursday, following medical tests conducted last year. Aphasia, affecting speech, and frontotemporal dementia, impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have presented significant challenges in Williams’ life.
The upcoming Lifetime docuseries, “Where Is Wendy Williams?,” will document her physical and mental decline since the cancellation of her talk show in June 2022. The series began filming shortly after the cancellation and concluded when Williams entered an undisclosed facility in April 2023 under the care of a court-appointed financial guardian. Despite the challenges, Williams remains an executive producer on the project as part of her deal with Lifetime.
Just prior to the release of the documentary, Williams’ court-appointed caregiver, Sabrina Morrissey, was identified. Morrissey subsequently filed a lawsuit against Lifetime parent company A+E Networks, although the lawsuit was later vacated and the docuseries is scheduled to air as planned.
Morrissey was appointed as Williams’ caregiver following concerns about her mental state, which led to a petition for temporary financial guardianship by Wells Fargo, Williams’ former financial adviser. Williams continues to be under Morrissey’s care in a facility and is currently only reachable by Morrissey.
