Wendy Williams' guardian sues Lifetime's parent company A&E ahead of docu release amid dementia news
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A lawsuit has been filed by Sabrina Morrissey, the guardian of talk show host Wendy Williams, against A&E Television Networks, the parent company of Lifetime. This development follows the public revelation by Williams' caretakers that she is battling dementia.
Details of the lawsuit remain sealed, but reports suggest that it may be related to an upcoming documentary about Williams, scheduled to air on Lifetime. Morrissey has sought injunctive relief, possibly to prevent the network from broadcasting the TV special.
Wendy Williams' guardian files lawsuit against A&E Television Networks
The announcement of the lawsuit comes after Williams' caretakers issued a statement disclosing her health struggles, including a diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Despite these challenges, Williams reportedly retains her sense of humor and is receiving the necessary care.
The Lifetime documentary crew had been chronicling Williams' comeback but ceased filming in April 2023 when she entered a facility for treatment of cognitive issues. Williams' family expressed concerns about her condition, indicating that a court-appointed legal guardian was the only individual with unrestricted access to her.
Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), the condition affecting Williams, is described as a group of brain disorders causing behavioral, language, and movement impairments. Aphasia, a symptom of FTD, can lead to difficulties in speech or understanding words.
Williams' disclosure of her diagnosis has raised awareness about FTD, with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration expressing support for her decision to go public. While there is no cure for FTD, efforts are underway to improve care and research into treatments.
Williams, known for her candid approach to personal topics on her talk show, rose to fame for her bold commentary and celebrity interviews. Her health struggles led to the end of her self-titled daytime talk show in 2022, with Sherri Shepherd subsequently receiving Williams' show. Despite her health challenges, Williams has continued to captivate audiences with her outspoken personality.
Internet responds to lawsuit against A&E
The public response to the lawsuit filed by Wendy Williams' temporary guardian against Lifetime's parent company, A&E Television, has been mixed, with some expressing concern for her well-being and others questioning the motives behind the legal action.
One user expressed sympathy for Williams on Facebook, speculating that her health issues may be exacerbated by alcohol consumption saying, "I think her drinking is causing her health to deteriorate. I hope she's able to heal and recuperate and we'll see her on TV back to her normal self. I miss her."
Another user lamented, "This is such a sad ending to her career."
However, there were also voices of skepticism and criticism. One user questioned the appointment of a guardian for Williams, suggesting, "Wendy Williams should be with her family right now, not under the care of some random CONservator who only sees dollar signs smh #FreeWendy #WhereWendyWilliams."
The fourth user wrote, "Guardian appointed against her will, that isn’t family. nothing sketchy about this at all."
On the other hand, some saw the situation from a more cynical perspective, saying, "Lifetime is going to score with this series. People love hearing about other people's misfortunes. This has everything."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
