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Wendy Williams Spotted In Public For First Time In Over A Year

August 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

We used to see Wendy Williams on a daily basis. She was the host of The Wendy Williams Show from 2008 to 2021. In the years since the show ended, however, the celebrity has been increasing harder to spot. She has removed herself from the spotlight. So much so, in fact, that a sighting of her is now big enough news to make headlines. The sighting occurred on August 19. Wendy Williams visited a store in New Jersey and posed for a photo with the owner, Victor Bowman. Page Six reported that the former TV host was “sharp, upbeat and aware,” in addition to being “very bubbly.”

An employee told the outlet that Wendy Williams was looking for various holistic products. “She talked about circulation improvement,” they recalled. “But didn’t want to get into too much detail on their first meeting and plans to come back in the near future.” The employee also said Williams’ son, Kevin Hunter, Jr., was explaining some of the products to her. “[She] was engaging but wasn’t as familiar with what we do her,” they added. The visit marked the first time Williams was publicly photographed since March of 2023.

Wendy Williams Was Last Photographed In March 2023

Wendy Williams spotted in public for the first time in over a year. pic.twitter.com/HhJfFBWmvQ

— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 26, 2024

Wendy Williams’ decision to keep a low public profile has coincided with her health struggles. She was diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023, according to Today. Williams’ medical team issued a statement confirming that her health had begun to inhibit her ability to perform on television. “Questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition,” the statement noted. “Particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions. Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.”

Wendy Williams has spoken at length about her condition. That said, the celebrity did thank her fans for the support she received post-diagnosis. “I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis,” she wrote in a statement. “Your response has been overwhelming. The messages shared with me have touched me.” It’s definitely encouraging to see her out and about.

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Wendy Williams’ “Dire And Scary” Circumstances Worried Documentary Producers, They Admit

May 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lifetime’s controversial docuseries Where Is Wendy Williams? continues to make waves months after its first episode premiered. Even before it aired, fans raised concern over the beloved former talk show host’s condition, and whether or not it was ethical to put her most vulnerable moments on display. These concerns were only compounded when it was revealed that Williams was diagnosed with dementia and aphasia.

According to executive producer Mark Ford, however, the point was to expose the “dire” conditions she was living in. During a recent panel, Ford opened up about filming, claiming that he and other producers grew increasingly worried. “The deeper we got into it, we didn’t want to let go of Wendy until we got her back in touch with her family,” he explained, according to PEOPLE. “Because we felt that at a certain point that’s who’s going to be there for her to care for her.”

Where Is Wendy Williams? Producers Reflect On Filming

Wendy Williams’ “Dire And Scary” Circumstances Worried Documentary Producers, They Admit — (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

“You could see Erica and Michael towards the end of the documentary, very, very worried and saying to her management, who was the only other person that was coming into her apartment on a daily basis, ‘Something has to be done to help her.’ This is getting very dire and scary,” Ford continued. “And because she was under a guardianship, her family couldn’t just fly up and hang out and decide to get involved in her medical care. They were removed from that process by the courts. So they could face legal ramifications if they tried to get too involved.”

“I just think, in the end, you really see what happens when a guardian has complete control and the family is cut out and they don’t know how she’s being treated medically. And they don’t know what’s happened with her finances,” co-executive producer Erika Hanson also added. What do you think of Where Is Wendy Williams? producers being worried about her while filming the doc? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Wendy Williams “Stuck” In Treatment Facility After Dementia Diagnosis, Her Brother Claims

March 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Last week, Where Is Wendy Williams? took the internet by storm, with countless social media users weighing in on the controversial Lifetime doc. Even before it was released, speculation that Williams was being exploited began, which was only compounded once it was revealed that she’d been diagnosed with dementia and aphasia. The personality has since received an outpouring of support from fans and peers and later thanked them in a statement.

While Wendy appears to be doing better since filming, her brother Tommy says that he and the rest of their family don’t approve of how her treatment has been approached. “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,” he told US Weekly in an exclusive interview earlier this week. “All I want for her is freedom. We have a father who would love to see her.”

Tommy Williams Says Wendy “Doesn’t Need A Facility”

Wendy Williams is seen leaving her TV Show on July 16, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Say Cheese!/GC Images)

“We’re dealing with unknowns,” he continued. “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 also revealed that communicating with his sister has been difficult, claiming it “seems like forever” since he’s seen her.

“It’s because of the people who she is around. You can’t leave. You’re there as part of a program,” he adds. “It’s the one thing that is holding her and keeping her from communicating, traveling and doing all the things she likes to do.” What do you think of Wendy Williams’ brother Tommy claiming that she’s “stuck” in a treatment facility after being diagnosed with dementia and aphasia? Do you think she’d be better off in her family’s care? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Wendy Williams’ Documentary Producers Admit They Wouldn’t Have Filmed Her If They Knew She Had Dementia

February 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The producers of the new Lifetime documentary about Wendy Williams say they wouldn’t have filmed it had they known she had dementia. Producers Mark Ford, Erica Hanson, and Lifetime’s Brie Miranda Bryant, all spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the making of the piece for an interview published on Monday. Where Is Wendy Williams? aired last weekend, just days after the diagnosis became public.

A major response to the beginning of the documentary was whether it was exploitative. Discussing this reaction, Ford admitted that there were many conversations about what to keep in the film. “But ultimately, we stuck to the truth of our journey as filmmakers,” he explained. “And when you watch the film, it’s almost like you’re on the journey of discovery with us.”

Wendy Williams Visits SiriusXM

Ford further added: “We tried to be as transparent as possible, and the making of the film is as much a story in some ways as Wendy’s story itself. And that’s why we intentionally left a lot of the questions in — we wanted people to understand the journey of the filmmakers and how upsetting it was for all of us in certain instances and also how outrageous in some ways the situations were. Like, Wendy would be left alone without food, completely on her own in that apartment with stairs that she could easily fall down. There was no one there 24/7. So, these are just all the questions we had throughout. But, of course, if we had known that Wendy had dementia going into it, no one would’ve rolled a camera.” Check out a trailer for the documentary below.

Wendy Williams’ Life Detailed In Lifetime Documentary

Wiliams’ care team shared that she had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, last Thursday. Be on the lookout for further updates on Wendy Williams on HotNewHipHop.

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Wendy Williams Thanks Fans For Support Following Dementia Diagnosis

February 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Wendy Williams has thanked fans for their support after she revealed that she had been diagnosed with dementia and aphasia. “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 messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion. I hope that others with FTD may benefit from my story. I want to also thank the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their kind words of support and their extraordinary efforts to raise awareness of FTD,” Williams said in a statement.

The news comes after it was revealed that Williams has reportedly been in a treatment facility for “cognitive issues” since April 2023, her family has claimed. Additionally, her family has stated that due to a state-mandated conservatorship, it is difficult for them to see the TV icon. “The people who love her cannot see her. I think the big [question] is: How the hell did we get here?” Williams’ sister Wanda said. It is unclear if the move to a treatment facility is part of the family move to Florida that reportedly occurred sometime last year.

Guardian Of Wendy Williams Seeks To Prevent Controversial Documentary From Airing

Meanwhile, per a report from TMZ, the guardian of Williams has filed a lawsuit to block Lifetime from airing their Where Is Wendy Williams? documentary this weekend. Sabrina Morrissey has petitioned a judge for a restraining order. If successful, this could prevent the documentary from airing in a two-part format on Saturday and Sunday. This remains a developing story and we’ll have any updates as and when they emerge.

However, fans are confused as to why a white attorney is Williams’ guardian. This is opposed to a member of Williams’ family. “Wendy has a son, a brother, a father and a sister that is an attorney. How is this happening, why can’t one of them be her guardian? Who’s advising the son, he’s her next of kin, there has to be some rights he has! Smh, I hate seeing this happen to her. Smh,” one person noted. “Her son needs to fight to be made her guardian. How is this woman I’ll and her guardian is letting her drink entire bottles in her bedroom,” added another.

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Wendy Williams Is Reportedly Suffering From Aphasia And Dementia

February 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

There’s been a lot of mystery surrounding Wendy Williams amid her fall from grace in recent years. The 59-year-old has largely been out of the spotlight amid long-standing rumours of a health crisis. Today (February 22), her team is speaking out on Williams’ behalf, giving pop culture fanatics long-awaited answers regarding her erratic behaviour and noticeably different appearance. As USA Today reports, a statement confirms that the New Jersey native is battling several mental conditions as of 2023. “Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine,” reps wrote.

“Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires,” they further added. “In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive phasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).” According to their message, the former is “a condition affecting language and communication abilities,” while the latter is “a progressive disorder impacting behaviour and cognitive functions.” Both have already “presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life,” likely explaining her departure from the public eye.

Wendy Williams Receives Aphasia and Dementia Diagnosis

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A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

Ahead of Thursday’s news, members of Williams’ family began speaking out on her condition and where their relationships with her stand now. “We’ve all seen the images over the last few months and, really, few years of what has seemed like a spiral for my aunt.” niece Alex Finnie told People. The outlet says the entertainer stays at an undisclosed care facility now, where Williams is able to contact her loved ones, but they’re unable to reach out first.

News of Wendy Williams’ deteriorating condition is sad, but we’ll always have fond memories of the controversial media personality to look back on. She’s been a part of numerous industry beefs throughout her career, including several with our favourite rappers. Look back on some of those at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: 7 Times Wendy Williams Had Beef With Rappers

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Bruce Willis’ Wife Discusses “Sadness” Of His 1st Birthday Since Dementia Diagnosis

March 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming, shared a post in honor of the actor’s birthday, Sunday, admitting that she’s been struggling with his recent dementia diagnosis. Willis is currently living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). His daughter, Scout, also posted a candid statement about her father’s health.

“Today is my husband’s birthday. I have started the morning by crying as you can see by my swollen eyes and snotty nose,” she said in an Instagram story, as noted by PEOPLE. “I just think it’s important that you see all sides of this.”

Bruce Willis & His Family

LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 14: (L-R) Emma Heming, Rumer Willis, Tallulah Willis, Bruce Willis and Scout Willis attend the Comedy Central Roast of Bruce Willis at Hollywood Palladium on July 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images For Comedy Central)

“I always get this message or people always tell me, ‘Oh, you’re so strong, I don’t know how you do it.’ I’m not given a choice,” she continued, before adding, “I wish I was, but I’m also raising two kids in this. Sometimes in our lives, we have to put our big girl panties on and get to it. And that’s what I’m doing. But I do have times of sadness, every day, grief every day, and I’m really feeling it today on his birthday.”

His daughter, Scout, also admitted it hasn’t been an “easy day.” She captioned a photo of herself with her dad, “It’s his birthday so send all of your love, tenderness, care and prayer his way for a moment ! Happy birthday to one of my best friends, the Pisces king, the master of duality, both action hero icon and gentle girl dad. What a privilege to have this man as my father and learn so much about life, joy, mischief and art through him. Today is not necessarily an easy day, because it’s a day full of so deep love, and our grief really does show us the depth of our loving for someone. So I’m trying to be with both today. Grief is a price I’ll always pay to know what it is to feel such love.”

Scout’s Tribute

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A post shared by Scout LaRue Willis (@scoutlaruewillis)

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Bruce Willis Diagnosed With Frontotemporal Dementia

February 16, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, his family announced in a statement shared on Thursday. The diagnosis comes after the family previously revealed he was suffering from aphasia in March 2022. He retired from acting at the time.

“As a family, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for the outpouring of love and compassion for Bruce over the past ten months,” the statement read. “Your generosity of spirit has been overwhelming, and we are tremendously grateful for it. For your kindness, and because we know you love Bruce as much as we do, we wanted to give you an update.” Willis’ daughter, Rumer, also shared the message on her Instagram page.

The Family’s Statement

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A post shared by Rumer Glenn Willis (@rumerwillis)

From there, the family explained that “Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD). Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”

They further added that there are currently “no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.”

The family said Willis “always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that — if he could today — he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.”

The family concluded the statement by saying, “Bruce has always found joy in life — and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us.” They added: “Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”

Despite his retirement, Willis stars in the upcoming thriller, Assassin, which releases next month. Filming on the project occurred back in June 2021. Jesse Atlas directed the film.

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