Wendy Williams’ brother Tommy claims she is ‘stuck’ in treatment facility and needs ‘freedom’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Wendy Williams' brother, Tommy Williams, contends that his sister—who is currently receiving care for dementia and aphasia—is 'stuck' in a treatment facility and wants her released.

The 59-year-old TV star is currently receiving treatment in an unidentified New York hospital for aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, which her son believes was "alcohol induced".

She has reportedly been there since April 2023, per Daily Mail.

Tommy's statement emerged after producer Mike Ford of the upcoming Lifetime docuseries 'Where Is Wendy Williams?' admitted that the movie would never have gone forward had they been aware of Wendy's dementia diagnosis.

Tommy Williams wants 'freedom' for sister and former host Wendy

Speaking with Us Weekly, Wendy’s brother, Tommy claimed that the former talk show host 'doesn’t need a facility' and said: "I know that she is stuck and we are trying to unstick her. Her family is here and she doesn’t need a facility. We are here to take care of her."

"All I want for her is freedom. We have a father who would love to see her."

"We're dealing with unknowns," he told the publication, expressing his displeasure at not being able to see her.

"We just want to be able to check in with her. I would fly up there [to New York], but where do I go? No one knows anything."

Tommy continued by saying there hasn't been much communication between Wendy and her family. He stated, "We can't communicate unless someone patches us through."

"We wait for calls. I wait for calls from Wendy or my sister or whoever she can get to first and we can all hop on. When she makes that phone call [to us], we're committed to listening and sharing for the moment," he explained.

Tommy continued, saying that he hadn't seen his sister in what "seems like forever." He said, "It's because of the people who she is around. You can't leave. You're there as part of a program."

"It's the one thing that is holding her and keeping her from communicating, traveling and doing all the things she likes to do."

Tommy further acknowledged to Us Weekly that Wendy's family had "naturally some concern" about her drinking habits.

"It was obvious about her drinking. She was alone and her mental state, having been divorced and losing her mother and liquor, it was not a good mix."

"She was very upset about losing her mother and very sad," Tommy explained referring to Wendy's 2020 split from ex Kevin Hunter Sr and the death of her mother, Shirley Williams, in the same year.

Wendy Williams' care team announced her aphasia and FTD diagnosis

In a press release on Thursday, February 22, the star's care team disclosed that she has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and aphasia. According to them, Williams had "a battery of medical tests" performed before receiving the diagnosis.

According to the statement, Wendy received a diagnosis in 2023 and moved into a treatment center in April 2023.

The news was released despite Wendy's guardian's lawsuit against the network, ahead of the February 24 debut of the Lifetime documentary 'Where Is Wendy Williams?' which describes her current issues with alcohol misuse and mental health.

Wendy Williams grateful for the overwhelming love and kind words

In a statement recently released to Us Weekly, Wendy discussed her latest medical findings for the first time.

She said: "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 much-loved TV personality acknowledged that she requires "personal space and peace to thrive," but she also expressed her gratitude to her followers for their "positivity and encouragement".

"The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion."

Wendy concluded her statement by adding, "I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated."