New York, New York – The court-assigned guardian for Wendy Williams lost the legal battle to halt the airing of a revealing documentary about the former talk-show host on Lifetime this weekend, a spokesperson for the network confirmed. The documentary, titled “Where Is Wendy Williams?”, provides an intimate look at Williams’ life as she grapples with health issues and alcohol abuse.
The guardian for Williams filed a lawsuit against A&E Television Networks, the parent company of Lifetime, in a New York State court seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent the documentary from airing. Despite the legal efforts, Lifetime proceeded with the release of the four-part docuseries, which was executive produced by Williams herself and featured input from her family.
In a statement from Williams’ care team, it was revealed that the former talk show host was diagnosed with aphasia and dementia in 2023. These conditions can significantly impact cognitive function, communication, and speech. Despite the legal challenges, Williams’ guardianship approved her participation in the documentary project.
The documentary project evolved from an initial concept to capture Williams’ life post-talk show to a candid portrayal of her health struggles and the care she was receiving. Producers expressed concern for Williams’ well-being during filming, prompting them to call for new medical care for the TV personality.
As Williams currently undergoes cognitive care at an inpatient treatment facility, her family continues to express concerns about the guardianship arrangement. Williams’ niece, Alex Finnie, who appears in the documentary, emphasized the importance of shedding light not only on Williams’ journey but also on the broader issues surrounding guardianships and conservatorships.
The producers of the documentary believe that their collaboration with Williams has resulted in her receiving better support and care. Despite the challenges portrayed in the documentary, there is hope for Williams’ recovery and an opportunity for viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the guardianship system that impacts many individuals.