Wendy Williams reveals she’s lost ‘freedom’ in ‘suffocating’ guardianship: ‘I’m ready to get out’

Wendy Williams says she's ready to get out of her 'suffocating' guardianship: 'Very lonely'
Wendy Williams has spoken out against the guardianship she has been under since 2022 (Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Wendy Williams has spoken out in a candid new interview, revealing the stark reality of her ongoing guardianship.

The former talk show host admitted that she feels confined under the court-ordered arrangement which has placed her in the memory unit of an assisted living facility.

Wendy Williams on living under guardianship

Wendy Williams attends Apple TV+'s
Wendy Williams attends Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show" World Premiere at David Geffen Hall on October 28, 2019, in New York City (Getty Images)

During a conversation on NewsNation's Banfield, Williams confessed, “I don't have the freedom to do virtually anything. You know what I'm saying?”

She disclosed that she has been under legal guardianship for over three years and currently resides on the fifth floor of a facility designed for individuals with memory issues.

“They call it ‘the memory unit,’ so it's for people who don’t remember anything… I’ve been here for almost a year now… this is very suffocating,” she shared.

The 'Ask Wendy' author also criticized the high cost of the facility, claiming it charges $18,000 a month while providing her with only a small room and limited freedom.

“I have a bedroom, a bathroom, and a window,” she lamented.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 20: Wendy Williams attends Spotify x Cash Money Host Premiere of mini-
Wendy Williams attends Spotify x Cash Money Host Premiere of mini-documentary New Cash Order at Lightbox on February 20, 2020, in New York, New York (Getty Images)

The 59-year-old former talk show host also described the facility’s staff, stating they “pass around pills” and assist residents with basic tasks like brushing their teeth and showering.

Wendy Williams denies dementia claims

Wendy Williams made it clear that she is ready to break free from her guardianship.

“It’s about… I have been the ward for over three years… it’s a long time… I mean, and I’m ready to get out of here. I’m ready to get out… and get out of the guardianship and… it’s suffocating… it’s very lonely,” she said.

Her legal guardian has reportedly pushed for a new medical evaluation amid speculation that she suffers from frontotemporal dementia.

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 13:  American televison host Wendy Williams visits SiriusXM Studios on July 13,
Wendy Williams visits SiriusXM Studios in New York (Getty Images)

To challenge these claims, Williams said she would need to undergo “comprehensive neurological and psychological testing by a specialist in the field.”

Wendy Williams' legal battles and the struggle to prove competency

Wendy Williams, who has been rumored to be working on signing paperwork to end her guardianship, admitted that she has yet to undergo the required medical tests.

“I have not had the test with these two doctors… and one of the attorneys… I had to fire, so… the first thing I have to do is get an attorney,” she explained.

The former 'Wendy Williams Show' star believes that the best way to prove her competency is by engaging with others.

“I’m accused of having frontotemporal dementia… They accuse me of being incapacitated. So I would imagine that the best way to prove that I am not… is to talk,” she said.

Wendy Williams attends the ceremony honoring her with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame (Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Michael Tran)
Wendy Williams attends the ceremony honoring her with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame (Getty Images)

She said that speaking with familiar faces from her life in New York and Miami is a crucial step in proving her mental fitness, according to OK Magazine.

Williams also recounted how her guardianship initially stemmed from financial concerns with Wells Fargo, which led to the appointment of a guardian.

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