Wendy Williams' personal and health struggles over the years: From money woes to alcoholism

Wendy Williams delves deep into health and personal struggles in poignant new doc

Wendy Williams is speaking up about the emotional, physical, and financial struggles that triggered her sudden exit from television. The trailer for Lifetime's upcoming two-part documentary 'Where is Wendy Williams?' shows the former talk show host for the first time since she left 'The Wendy Williams Show' in July 2021 due to legal issues and health concerns. The trailer goes on to exhibit more of Williams' accomplishments, including getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and delighting people in "their living rooms every single day for 12 years."

Wendy Williams' ex-husband Kevin Hunter's rumored affairs

Wendy Williams has endured accusations of adultery and infidelity leveled against her ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, for several years. Hunter was spotted hanging out in New Jersey with a woman called Sharina Hudson in some September 2017 images published by the Daily Mail. Williams ultimately called it quits on their 21-year marriage after the TV producer gave birth to a child in March 2019 with a different woman. In January 2020, the former couple finalized their divorce.

Passing out on live television

In October 2017, while dressed for Halloween as the Statue of Liberty, the Emmy nominee passed out live on TV. When the show cut to a commercial break, Williams fell to the ground, and producers hurried to save her. After a few minutes, the host reappeared and explained that she had only "overheated in my costume."

Graves' disease diagnosis in 2018 and thyroid issues

In late February to mid-March 2018, the former radio host took a three-week hiatus from 'The Wendy Williams Show' to address complications related to hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease. “Wendy’s doctor prescribed a necessary three weeks of rest to get her levels and medication in sync,” a representative for the show told Us Weekly.

Wendy Williams' cocaine addiction

In July 2018, during an interview in honor of her 'Be Here' national campaign with The Hunter Foundation, Williams talked about her ten-year struggle with cocaine addiction. She told Entertainment Tonight at the time, "I was a functioning addict. They wouldn’t fire me because I was making ratings. … It’s a miracle I was able to stop."

Flu-like symptoms and absence from work in 2018

Due to flu-like symptoms, Williams had to reschedule three episodes of her broadcast show during the week of Valentine's Day in February 2018. The following Monday, she kept her word and returned as promised, posting on Instagram that she had not taken "a sick day EVER in over 25 years."

Fractured shoulder in 2019

According to People, Williams suffered a hairline fracture in her right shoulder in December 2019, which prevented her from attending a recording of her show. Wearing a sling, she declared on her show at the time, "I’m on the mend, I don’t need an operation. They tell me I’m very healthy…for a person after 50."

Wendy Williams slurred her words on show

Social media users expressed concern when Williams stumbled over her words in a show from December 2018. She said that she was "less than stellar" in her behavior and that she often tries to avoid taking painkillers. However, her health issues became too much for her to manage, and she kept putting off her return to the show to take care of herself.

Sober living house and 24-hour coach

The TV celebrity disclosed in March 2019 that she has a 24-hour coach and had been residing in a sober living facility. "When you see me come to work glammed up, right after the show I go across the street, I do my Pilates," she informed the audience. "I told you — two hours a day or [so], to take care of my body."

Wendy Williams received help for her drug and alcohol abuse

According to Page Six, Wendy Williams has visited several drug and alcohol rehab centers, including one in 2022. Williams' ex-husband Kevin Hunter said at the time that his ex-wife's production firm did not assist her in her rehabilitation. "They sat in a meeting with her whole family, including her now-deceased mom, and would not sign off on the recovery efforts that would’ve helped Wendy also get well and live and be sober," he claimed. "They basically said, ‘If you don’t stop drinking, you’re going to lose the show.’"

Lymphedema battle

In a video interview from 2022, Wendy Williams revealed to TMZ that she suffers from lymphedema, a disorder that results in swelling in the limbs and legs. Even though Williams can barely feel "maybe 5% of my feet," she refuses to let that stop her from moving forward.

Financial guardianship and Wells Fargo drama

In February 2022, Williams' bank Wells Fargo described her as an "incapacitated person." It was reported at the time that the bank wrote to Judge Arlene Bluth of the New York Supreme Court, asking for a hearing as Williams might require guardianship to assist with her financial management. Celeste N McCaw, the talk show host's lawyer, filed an emergency appeal before the bank made its announcement, alleging that Wells Fargo had refused to provide Williams access to her assets.

Son Kevin Hunter Jr expressed concerns for Wendy Williams

A source exclusively informed Us Weekly that there was probably cause for worry after Kevin Hunter Jr raised concerns about his mother's health in an interview from June 2023. The insider revealed, "As of last year, Wendy wasn't doing well," adding that the TV personality "didn't seem like herself" and was occasionally "incoherent."