Where Is Wendy Williams? What the Documentary Revealed About Her Life

In a recent documentary, Wendy Williams opens up about her life since she left the media spotlight years ago.

Fans were eagerly anticipating the release of Wendy Williams's new four-part Lifetime documentary, "Where Is Wendy Williams?". The documentary delves into the talk show host's life since she took a hiatus from the public eye and the challenges she has encountered. Fans were curious to learn more about her current health state, and the documentary provided an in-depth look into her struggles. Fans were curious to learn more about Williams and her current health state in her new four-part Lifetime documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?”

The documentary provided an in-depth look into Williams's life since she stepped away from the public eye and the struggles she has faced.

Initially, the documentary was pitched by Williams to show her life after leaving her talk show and beginning to launch a podcast, according to CNN. However, the documentary highlighted the declining mental and physical health of Williams. It was evident when she faced challenges when questioned about her health, finances, family, and daily life by the documentary producers.

Throughout the documentary, Williams' alcohol consumption was a recurring topic, although she would often deflect questions about it. Furthermore, the documentary revealed that she is currently struggling with severe lymphedema, which is causing numbness in her feet.

As Williams struggled to answer many questions, other individuals featured in the documentary intervened to respond for her, emphasizing the issue of Williams being silenced.

There have been many doubts raised about the motives of Wendy's current care team. From her manager's claims of Wendy being "more aggressive" to Wendy talking about her legal guardian in a negative light, it shined a light on the negative environment she is currently in.

Although the documentary did not mention the legal guardian's name, Sabrina Morrissey, it was revealed when she filed a lawsuit to prevent the documentary from being aired. However, the lawsuit was dismissed.

Some fans believed that it was not appropriate to air the documentary. They felt that Williams was not in the right state of mind to be in the spotlight. One fan shared a TikTok video expressing their belief that the documentary was intentionally trying to embarrass her. Another fan asked why people were watching her when she was not doing well.

However, executive producer Mark Ford explained that he still believed it was necessary to air the documentary.

“We know it may be hard for some of her fans to watch. But we believe this documentary captures the truth of Wendy’s life over the year-and-a-half we filmed it,” Ford said. “On a personal level, we all care very deeply for Wendy. We are happy she is in a better place now… and we hope the documentary played a role in helping her get to that safer place,” Ford continued.

Last week, her care team released a statement on Thursday to address rumors about her health and provide more information about her being diagnosed with aphasia and dementia.

“In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD),” Wendy’s care team shared in a press release. “Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy's life,” the statement continued.

According to her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., the heavy alcohol consumption is what led to her diagnosis.

“[Doctors] basically said that because she was drinking so much, it was starting to affect her headspace and her brain,” Kevin, 23, explained during the Sunday, February 25, episode of the two-part series. “So, I think they said it was alcohol-induced dementia.”

Healthline defines alcohol-related dementia as a “type of cognitive impairment that occurs as a result of heavy alcohol consumption over a long period.” Over time, alcohol use can cause brain damage that affects a person’s ability to do daily tasks, such as cooking and managing their finances, the website notes.

Experts suggest that alcohol-induced dementia and FTD can be interconnected. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to brain damage, particularly affecting the frontal lobe, which is also associated with FTD. "FTD can be triggered by genetics but also by alcohol abuse, especially alcohol abuse later in life. And while alcohol-related dementia can be reversed if caught early, permanent brain damage can occur if a person does not abstain," PEOPLE notes.

As for Williams, she has not released any statements about the documentary since it premiered. However, on Friday her care team shared a statement on her behalf.

“I want to say 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! Your response has been overwhelming,” the statement read in part. “I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.”

We hope that Wendy continues to receive the best possible treatment.