‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’ Entertainment – Less than 72 hours before the debut of Lifetime’s two-part docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?”. The team of the former talk show host disclosed her diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Given the immediacy of Williams’ health crisis, evident in the show, this docuseries appears intrusive at best. Maybe even potentially predatory at worst. Read Also: Beyoncé Becomes the First Black Woman to Top Country Charts
“Where Is Wendy Williams?” is positioned as a sequel to her 2021 documentary “Wendy Williams: What A Mess,”. It delved into Williams’ public divorce, apparent mental health struggles, and other public setbacks. In the same year, Williams also served as an executive producer for “Wendy Williams: The Movie,” a television film featuring Ciera Payton that chronicled the host’s personal life and career journey. What is now apparent is that “Where Is Wendy Williams?” is not a portrayal of the next chapter in Williams’ life. But rather an exploitative presentation of her cognitive decline and emotional well-being.
The Documentary Series: ‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’
Episode 1 “I’m Not a Crier,”
From the moment Williams graces the screen in Episode 1, titled “I’m Not a Crier,” it becomes evident that something is seriously amiss. Fans have witnessed Williams’ public struggles with her health since October 2017 when she fainted on the set of “The Wendy Williams Show.” As “Where Is Wendy Williams?” commences, a lingerie-clad Williams enters her filming room barefoot. She expresses excitement about moving on from her talk show to a new podcasting venture. However, she struggles to respond to producers’ repetitive questions. She quickly breaks down into tears when confronted about her appearance, alcohol issues, and financial challenges. The interview concludes with the former broadcaster sobbing in the arms of her manager, Will Shelby.
Her Friends and Confidants
The series, shot between August 2022 and April 2023, maintains this tone, with individuals speaking on behalf of Williams. Figures like Shelby, DJ Boof, publicist Shawn Zanotti, and friend Regina Shell seem to focus on filling in the gaps regarding Williams’ life post the talk show. It is a narrative already been extensively covered in the press for several years. What is particularly disconcerting is that some of these figures appear to be seeking visibility with Williams in paparazzi shots or on camera.
Wendy Williams Family
Lifetime did not provide screeners for “Where Is Wendy Williams?,” executive produced by Williams and her son, Kevin Hunter Jr… This is a task she may not currently be capable of. The cable network wanted critics and the audience to tune in live. But the decision not to share episodes beforehand is understandable. Given that the series is a chaotic mix of archival footage, interviews from those “closest” to Williams, and incoherent, often confrontational ramblings from the former host herself.
The most captivating elements of the series involve interviews with Wendy Williams’ family. They include her son, Hunter Jr., nephew Travis Finnie, and niece Alex Finnie. Hunter Jr. shares insights into the love for his mother and the family’s distress. Especially when Williams was removed from their care in Florida and placed under guardianship in New York. It becomes apparent that the presented content that the tension within Williams’ family revolves around her struggles with alcohol and what Hunter Jr. describes as self-sabotage.
Episode 2 “I Really Want to Be Back on Television
In Episode 2, titled “I Really Want to Be Back on Television,” the structure is more organized than the opener. It initially painting a picture reminiscent of the woman who has been in the spotlight for three decades. A visit to Williams’ hometown of Asbury Park, N.J., showcases a touching display of emotion from the media personality and offers her some moments with fans. Later, she provides a buzzworthy take on Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship after perusing a gossip magazine. Unfortunately, by the episode’s conclusion, Williams’ erratic behavior resurfaces.
Episode 3 “I Love Being Famous”
It’s crucial to acknowledge how Wendy Williams is portrayed physically in the docuseries. Throughout her 14-season tenure on “The Wendy Williams Show,” the host was recognized for her impeccably styled wigs, an array of vibrant dresses, hoop earrings, and bedazzled sneakers.
While scenes depicting Williams without her wig and distinctive makeup may seem to offer audiences a “raw and unfiltered” glimpse of the commentator, given the recent public disclosure of her diagnosis, one can’t help but question whether she genuinely desires these aspects of her private life to be laid bare. In the opening of Episode 3, titled “I Love Being Famous,” Williams’ niece, Alex Finnie, visits her from Florida. The news anchor is immediately troubled by the condition of her aunt’s appearance, apartment, and the presence of random individuals around her, a situation that moves her to tears. It is also disconcerting that when Williams is given the microphone, she frequently resorts to thrusting out her middle fingers or demeaning those in her vicinity.
Episode 4 “I Am Gorgeous”
In Episode 4, titled “I Am Gorgeous,” a touching moment happens when Angela White (formerly known as Blac Chyna) visits Wendy Williams. During their talk, White expresses the value of their friendship over the years. Despite Williams’ confusion, she simply repeats her name, bringing White to tears. It’s a tender moment that may not have needed to be shared on TV. Read Also: Who is Germaine Acogny: The Mother of Contemporary African Dance
The series reveals Williams’ cognitive decline, but what’s most heartbreaking is her apparent loneliness. Separation from family, financial struggles, and the lack of a platform seem to make her challenges worse. The absence and seeming indifference of Williams’ appointed guardian are distressing and need further investigation. As the two-night event wraps up, one thing is clear: the cameras should have stopped capturing Wendy Williams’ life when she left her show for the last time.
Wendy Williams Thanking Fans for Support
The former talk show host Wendy Williams expressed her thanks to well-wishers for their support following the disclosure of her diagnosis with dementia. This comes ahead of the airing of a Lifetime documentary about her struggles.
“I want to express my 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,” stated Williams in a message provided to The Associated Press by a representative for her care team. “The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”
Wendy Williams
Williams’ statement was released a day after her team disclosed that the 59-year-old had primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
Court’s Ruling on the Documentary Airing
This decision also followed shortly after a New York judge determined that Lifetime’s “Where is Wendy Williams?” documentary will proceed with its scheduled weekend airing. The order was signed by an appellate judge reviewing a petition to halt the documentary’s release. He emphasized that preventing its broadcast would constitute an “impermissible prior restraint on speech that violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.”
This ruling paves the way for Lifetime’s original two-night broadcast plan for “Where is Wendy Williams?,” featuring footage of the former talk show host and various interviews.
As of now, there has been no response from an attorney representing Wendy Williams’ guardian. They did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment on Friday.
“Lifetime appeared in court today, and the documentary ‘Where is Wendy Williams?’ will air this weekend as planned,” affirmed the network in a statement.
“I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive,” Williams said in her statement Friday. “Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.”
Wendy’s Health Issues
She acknowledged the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for its support and dedication to educating the public about the disease. It is the same form of dementia that Bruce Willis has been dealing with, following the announcement of her diagnosis.
Frontotemporal dementia is an uncommon condition affecting areas of the brain that control behavior and language. These brain regions shrink as the disease progresses. The illness often involves primary progressive aphasia, leading to difficulties with language skills. Individuals with this type of FTD may struggle to find words or comprehend speech.
Williams’ eponymous daytime talk show concluded in 2022 due to her health concerns. Sherri Shepherd, who stepped in as a guest host during Williams’ absence, went on to host her show.
In 2018, Williams revealed she had been diagnosed years earlier with Graves’ disease. It is a condition that results in the excessive production of thyroid hormones. The disease manifests various symptoms affecting overall health. According to Thursday’s statement from Williams’ care team, her dementia diagnosis occurred in 2023.
A People magazine cover story this week reported that some family members claim they are unsure of Williams’ whereabouts. They cannot contact her directly, although she can reach out to them.
The article mentioned that the crew working on the Lifetime documentary. It was initially intended to document Williams’ comeback in 2022. However, it stopped filming in April 2023. It was when her manager Will Selby expressed in footage for the film that she entered a facility to address “cognitive issues.” In the documentary, her son indicates that doctors linked her cognitive problems to alcohol use, as reported by People.