Wendy Williams' guardian accuses A+E Networks of 'shamelessly exploiting' TV host in documentary
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent legal filing, Sabrina Morrissey, the appointed guardian of former talk show host Wendy Williams, has accused A+E Networks of exploiting Williams in their documentary, 'Where Is Wendy Williams?'
The documents, unsealed and obtained by Page Six, reveal Morrissey's claims of the network's "shameless exploitation" of Williams, who is battling frontotemporal lobe dementia and aphasia.
Wendy Williams' guardian alleges exploitation by A+E Networks
Morrissey alleges that A+E Networks "humiliated" Williams by filming her in a disabled state, implying that her “disoriented demeanor is due to substance abuse and intoxication” rather than her medical condition. The lawsuit, filed in the New York County Supreme Court, aims to obtain a temporary restraining order against the documentary's release.
According to Morrissey, Williams who was diagnosed with frontotemporal lobe dementia and aphasia in May 2023, was told the two-part series, which aired February 24 and February 25, would paint her “in a positive manner like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”
In her legal filing, Sabrina Morrissey, acting as Wendy Williams' guardian, vehemently condemned A+E Networks for what she described as the "unconscionable exploitation" of Williams' condition in the promotional material for the documentary. The documents, filed in the New York County Supreme Court on February 20, were a direct response to the release of the documentary trailer on Feb. 2, which Morrissey claims capitalized on Williams' medical diagnosis for entertainment purposes.
“This blatant exploitation of a vulnerable woman with a serious medical condition who is beloved by millions within and outside of the African American community is disgusting, and it cannot be allowed,” the filing read.
According to the disclosed documents, A+E Networks commenced filming Wendy Williams after a contract was signed in January 2023. However, Sabrina Morrissey, Williams' guardian, contested Williams' capacity to consent to the agreement due to her medical condition, citing a court-ordered guardianship established in February 2022. Morrissey argued that Williams, deemed incapable of managing her own affairs, lacked the ability to authorize her participation in the documentary.
Morrissey expressed dissatisfaction with how Williams was portrayed in the documentary, particularly in light of assurances that it would serve as a triumphant comeback following the cancellation of 'The Wendy Williams Show.' Williams' manager for the project, William Selby, reportedly did not review A+E Networks' trailer or the documentary, raising questions about who approved the final product.
A source close to the matter criticized A+E Networks for proceeding with the project despite Williams' condition, alleging that the producers were aware of her dementia diagnosis during filming. The source asserted that Williams did not consent to the docuseries and disputed the portrayal of her in the footage.
“Anyone with eyes could see that something was very wrong with Wendy,” a source told Page Six.
“The producers knew or should have known that Wendy was suffering from dementia during filming. They certainly knew that she suffered from dementia before they aired the docuseries because it was announced by press release.” The source furthered, “Wendy did not consent to this docuseries. She was not shown and did not approve the footage.”
The 'Where Is Wendy Williams?' documentary depicted Williams engaging in behaviors indicative of her struggles, including constant drinking and emotional distress over financial matters. Her son, Kevin Hunter Jr, attributed her dementia diagnosis to alcoholism.
“[Doctors] basically said that because she was drinking so much, it was starting to affect her headspace and her brain,” the 23-year-old alleged. “So, I think they said it was alcohol-induced dementia,” he added.
Contrary to Morrissey's objections, Williams' family, represented by her niece Alex Finnie, reportedly supported the documentary, claiming that Williams expressed a desire to share her story and reclaim control over her narrative. Finnie alleged that the family has been excluded from Williams' life, citing a lack of communication from Morrissey regarding Williams' whereabouts.
'Where is Wendy Williams?' breaks viewership records
Lifetime's documentary on Wendy Williams, titled 'Where Is Wendy Williams?', has reportedly shattered viewership records, surpassing the previous record-holder, 'The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy Rose Blanchard.' According to Daily Mail, the two-part series attracted an average of 1.2 million viewers over two nights, with a total of 6.2 million viewers across linear and digital platforms.
Of particular note is the documentary's success in live and/or same-day viewing, outpacing previous benchmarks set by other notable programs. Despite its impressive viewership numbers, however, fans of the former talk show host remain dissatisfied with the portrayal of Williams in the documentary.
Wendy Williams' publicist, Shawn Zanotti, has condemned Lifetime for what she perceives as the exploitation of Williams. In an interview with NBC News, Zanotti expressed her belief that Williams was misled about the focus of the documentary, expecting it to highlight her career comeback rather than delve into more personal and potentially distressing aspects of her life.
“There were a lot of good moments. None of those good moments were shown," she claimed.
Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Zanotti reiterated her disapproval saying, “It's horrible they would do something like this to her. And for what gain? For what reason?”
She added, “I would never let Wendy put her name and brand on the line like that ever. She's an icon. It's not the story we signed up for and I feel lied to. It's so difficult for me to even watch. Wendy would be mortified.”
