“My life is, like, f–ked up.” Those were the heartbreaking words of Wendy Williams during an emotional call to The Breakfast Club. The former talk show host, known for her larger-than-life personality, opened up about her ongoing battle under court-appointed guardianship. Describing her life as a “luxury prison,” Williams detailed the isolation, lack of autonomy, and emotional toll she has endured since stepping back from the public eye in 2022.
Williams, who was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023, has been under the care of a court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey. While guardianship is intended to ensure her well-being, Williams claims it has instead robbed her of her freedom and connection to loved ones.
Wendy Williams’ health: where does it stand?
In her candid interview, Wendy Williams painted a bleak picture of life in her New York care facility. “I’m in this place where the people are in their 90s and their 80s and their 70s,” she shared. According to Williams, her days are consumed by solitude, with little more than a bed, a chair, and a television to occupy her time. She revealed she has no internet access or ability to contact her family freely, adding, “I don’t even know what these pills are that they make me take.”
Her niece, Alex Finnie, supported these claims, she described the facility as a “luxury prison.” Finnie recalled a visit in October where she faced excessive scrutiny just to see her aunt. She emphasized that the restricted contact has left Williams increasingly isolated. Finnie also voiced concerns about the role of Sabrina Morrissey; she revealed that the guardian’s decisions have only worsened Williams’ health struggles.
Williams’ desire to visit her family has also been thwarted by what she calls unnecessary restrictions. With her father’s 94th birthday approaching, she broke down while expressing fears she might not be allowed to travel to Florida to celebrate with him. “At 94, the day after that is not promised,” she said through tears.
Sabrina Morrissey tried to block the release of Wendy Williams’ docuseries
Wendy Williams’s guardianship arrangement has also sparked legal disputes involving Sabrina Morrissey. Last year, Morrissey filed a lawsuit against A&E and Lifetime when she attempted to block the release of the docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?”. She argued the series was exploitative and harmful. However, the networks countersued by accusing Morrissey of trying to suppress criticism of her guardianship. The series, which aired in February 2024, shed light on Williams’ career, health struggles, and her current situation. While Williams admitted she and Morrissey watched the series together, she expressed frustration over her portrayal and the continued scrutiny surrounding her life. “This system is broken,” Williams declared during the interview, accusing her guardian of failing to prioritize her dignity and independence.
Amid the legal drama, Finnie and other family members have rallied behind Williams, launching campaigns like #FreeWendy to raise awareness of her plight. They’ve also encouraged fans to support her through petitions and donations. “This does not match an incapacitated person,” Finnie stated. She claimed that Wendy Williams was able to make her own decisions. While guardians like Sabrina Morrissey are tasked with ensuring their wards’ well-being, Williams’ claims of isolation and emotional abuse raise questions about whether the system is truly effective. As she fights to regain her independence, Wendy Williams is also calling for change, as she has always done. “I’m exhausted,” she admitted. This has attracted sympathy and concern from the public, and they are solidly behind the #FreeWendy campaign so she can be reunited with her son, father, and niece. For fans and family, the hope is that Williams will one day reclaim the life she built, free from the constraints and shackles of guardianship.