Former talk show host Wendy Williams issued a statement Friday thanking the public for its response to the news that she had been diagnosed with dementia.
“I want to say that I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Let me say, wow! Their response has been overwhelming,” says Williams in the statement provided by a representative. “The messages shared with me have moved me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion. I hope other people with FTD can benefit from my story. I also want to thank the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their kind words of support and their extraordinary efforts to raise awareness about FTD. I still need personal space and peace to thrive. Please know that we deeply appreciate your positivity and encouragement.”
Williams issued the statement on the eve of the scheduled airing of a new documentary depicting his health problems. Part 1 of “Where's Wendy Williams?” – produced by Entertainment One – will air Saturday night on the Lifetime cable network. Part 2 will air on Sunday.
A New York Supreme Court judge cleared the way for the film's release after rejecting a lawsuit from a woman, supposedly Williams' guardian, who tried to stop it. The woman, Sabrina Morrissey, sought a restraining order to prevent the broadcast, but Judge Peter H. Moulton ruled that it was an “impermissible prior restraint of speech” that violates the First Amendment.
Williams was a dominant figure on daytime television for 13 years on his eponymous show, where he discussed showbiz personalities and pop culture topics daily. Her continuing health problems led her to leave the syndicated show in 2022 and she was eventually replaced permanently by Sherri Shepherd.
Williams has faced several health issues, including her current battle with Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition related to the thyroid.
Representatives for the television personality issued a statement Thursday regarding his diagnosis. The statement detailed concerns about his difficulty processing information, noting that he “began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.”
The statement continues: “The decision to share this news was difficult and was made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but also to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of people who face similar circumstances.
“Where is Wendy Williams?” is a look at the physical, mental and financial struggles that arose before her departure from the show. Williams was placed under financial conservatorship amid a legal battle with Wells Fargo.
