Los Angeles, California – The producers of the upcoming Wendy Williams documentary revealed that they were unaware of her mental health diagnosis when they started filming. Mark Ford and Brie Miranda Bryant shared this in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Williams, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, was recently diagnosed with new primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
Ford expressed that if they had known about Williams’ dementia diagnosis prior to filming, they would not have proceeded with the documentary. The producers admitted to not being in contact with Williams since their last interview in April 2023, raising questions about her current whereabouts.
Criticism regarding the potential exploitation in the documentary was addressed by Ford and Bryant, who emphasized their transparency throughout the filming process. Williams’ son, Kevin Hunter Jr., revealed details about his mother’s dementia diagnosis, including speculations of it being alcohol-induced.
The filmmakers aimed to showcase the challenges faced by Williams, such as being left alone without proper care in her apartment. Ford highlighted the rapid progression of the disease and the signs that were noticeable in the documentary.
Despite the controversies, Ford hopes that viewers will see the universal message in the documentary and understand the complexities of dementia. The Rolling Stone review characterized the documentary as a “devastating watch” and a “tough pill to swallow,” indicating the emotional impact of Williams’ journey.
The documentary sheds light on the struggles of individuals dealing with dementia and the impact it has on their families. The filmmakers highlight the need for awareness and support for those affected by such diseases, transcending the personal story of Wendy Williams to address a broader societal issue.