Charlamagne Tha God watched Lifetime’s Wendy Williams documentary and wants to set the record straight on some fan reaction. The Breakfast Club host responds to fans who believe dementia made Williams talk to others rudely. From his own experience, that’s not the case.
“That documentary was very triggering for me as someone who worked with Wendy for three years,” Charlamagne said. “I saw people saying dementia was causing her to talk to people like that. No, y’all shut the hell up. Y’all don’t know what y’all talking about that had nothing to do with dementia.
“I was looking at those moments and said, ‘there goes Wendy.’”
You can hear the full statement from Charlamagne Tha God below.
Last week, the eagerly anticipated docuseries Where Is Wendy Williams? finally arrived. Even before its release, the project had the personality’s fanbase up in arms, as early trailers indicated that it’d showcase her financial concerns, mental health struggles, and more. Just before the series came out, it was also revealed that Williams had been diagnosed with dementia and aphasia. Many argued that it was unethical to document Williams’ less flattering moments out of concern that she was unable to consent.
Now, Williams’ publicist, who appears in the doc, has spoken out. During an exclusive interview with NBC News, Shawn Zanotti shared that she believes Williams was misled about the project and would have never agreed to it had she known how she would be portrayed.
“I felt that [Williams] was being exploited,” Zanotti described. “She thought we were focusing on the comeback of her career. … She would be mortified. There’s no way you can convince me that she would be OK with looking and seeing herself in that way… That is not the project that [Williams] signed up for. That’s not the project [the producers] brought to me. That’s not what I told her this was going to be about,” she also added. “There were a lot of good moments. None of those good moments were shown.”
Zanotti went on to respond to producers’ claims that they would have approached the project differently had they been aware of Williams’ dementia diagnosis. “I don’t think [the diagnosis] would have stopped them at all. The producers were asking questions throughout the entire time — would ask questions where she would somewhat seem confused, and I feel as though it was done to be intentional at that moment in time to make their storyline,” she explained. “Again, this was presented as a documentary to her, but to me, it looked as though it was a reality show of a circus, a circus to her downfall.” What do you think of Wendy Williams’ publicist Shawn Zanotti claiming that the personality was exploited by producers? Do you agree with her? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
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.”
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 06: Wendy Williams visits SiriusXM Studios on September 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)
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.
Wendy Williams may have thanked fans for their support following her dementia diagnosis, but there’s little other firsthand accounts when it comes to the social media discussion of her situation. Moreover, caregivers, industry peers, and family members are debating who is to blame for the more damaging parts of this situation, and how they should respond. The latest to chime in is the TV host’s former disc jockey, DJ Boof, who spoke to TMZ on Monday (February 26). He shared that no one on the show really knew the extent of her illness, and that it’s best for her to be with her family.
“I don’t think no one knew exactly to the extent [of] how bad it was,” DJ Boof said of Wendy Williams. “I felt like people knew something was up with her. But they didn’t really know. I knew it because I’ve been around it, you know? It’s sad to see something like that happen to her. You know, she needs help. I speak to Wendy. You know, I don’t know if [the family] speak as much as I do. But last time I spoke to her was probably, like, about a month ago.
“I don’t think it’s her not keeping them in the loop,” Wendy Williams’ former co-worker continued. “I think it could be the guardianship that’s not letting them know exactly what’s going on. Yeah, [that’s how they’re seeing it, at least]. I mean, if you was to ask me, I think she does need to be around her family. It is hard for me a little, because you know, she’s my friend. You know, I’ve [been] with this woman for 12 years, so I’ve seen it all, you know? We had a relationship outside of the show that most people don’t have.
“I bumped back into her in Miami, which everyone’s seen,” he concluded. “And we took a picture together, and I seen her. She was 100% great, you know? She was recovering, and that was due. Because I seen her in Miami, she was with her son and Travis, and she seemed to be doing great. I think, if you was to ask me, I believe Florida would be a better place for her because that’s where her family is. She needs, I think, that 24-hour care.” For more news and the latest updates on Wendy Williams, stay logged into HNHH.
Over the weekend, the highly anticipated “Where is Wendy Williams?” documentary aired on Lifetime, offering viewers an intimate look into the life of the former daytime talk show host. However, what began as a documentary exploring the whereabouts of Wendy Williams took a shocking turn when it was revealed that she is suffering from alcohol-related dementia.
The revelation came as a surprise to many, including the producers of the documentary, who insist they were unaware of Williams’ condition when they began filming. According to ETonline, producers Mark Ford and Erica Hanson defended their project, emphasizing the extensive legal and ethical measures taken to ensure the documentary was handled with care and sensitivity.
Speaking with ET’s Kevin Frazier, Ford and Hanson explained that multiple lawyers were involved in the process, along with Wendy Williams’ manager, Will Selby, to ensure that the documentary was produced in a fair and respectful manner. Ford emphasized that every individual on Williams’ side of the equation, including attorneys and publicists, signed off on the project after detailed conversations with their legal team.
Despite initial skepticism from Williams’ family, Ford and Hanson stated that they eventually gained their trust and involvement in the documentary. While it took some time for the family to feel comfortable with the project, they ultimately became directly involved in sharing their side of the story, which Ford described as essential to the documentary’s exploration of Williams’ life and struggles.
“It turned out that they weren’t there in the beginning, but there were conversations pretty soon after we began in which we started having that conversation with them directly,” Ford explained. “And it just, of course, it took time for them to trust the project, trust us. But ultimately, we felt it was so essential that we — there was no way we’re gonna, we were going to proceed with this without the family completely on board.”
The “Where is Wendy Williams?” documentary has sparked conversations about mental health, addiction, and the ethical considerations surrounding documentary filmmaking. As viewers grapple with the shocking revelation about Williams’ health, the documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of fame, fortune, and personal struggles in the public eye.
Wendy Williams is unfortunately the subject of a lot of media scrutiny and debate right now thanks to the controversial Where Is Wendy Williams? documentary. Moreover, amid aphasia and dementia struggles, shifting responsibilities for legal guardians, and a lot of family accusations, it’s a tough map to navigate. But her ex-husband Kevin Hunter Sr. thinks that the Lifetime docuseries missed out on some key narratives and bad-faith actions when it comes to the iconic TV host. Specifically, he alleged that Williams’ sister Wanda took advantage of her under false pretenses that she would get her show back.
“Ok so everyone heard “f**k Kevin” through docu-series,” Wendy Williams’ former partner wrote on his Instagram Story this weekend. “Np the SHOW took precedent over EVERYTHING including family. What I guess they let out was that while she was in Florida getting recovery 3 yrs ago there were the secret calls her SISTER would set up with DEMBAR MERCURY (MORT & IRA). With false pretense that she would be getting show back. That was a lie and broke s**t more than anything.
“They only were trying to get her there to satisfy an insurance claim so they could obviously replace losses and the money that they were STEALING (5-15mil),” Kevin Hunter Sr. continued. “They wanted CONTROL her SISTER was trying to get ultimate control herself and was medical proxy @the time. But her naiveté allowed her only to be PLAYED and once she got back to NY they kicked her sister out and she spiraled WORSE. I was involved @ the time… blood on ALOTTA HANDS.” Of course, with Wendy Williams not addressing many of these claims at the moment, this makes it very hard to discern what is really going on.
However, she did take some time to thank fans for their support. “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),” the 59-year-old stated. “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.” For more news and the latest updates on Wendy Williams, stick around on HNHH.
Where Is Wendy Williams? has been stirring up controversy for weeks now, and the first part of the documentary has only ramped things up. It premiered on Lifetime yesterday (February 24), and showcases Williams’ erratic behavior, poor treatment of staff, and more. It also arrived just days after it was revealed that the personality had been diagnosed with aphasia and dementia.
So far, the documentary has gotten mixed reactions from fans. While some are intrigued by the icon’s day-to-day life, others think tuning in feels all wrong, especially considering the news of her diagnosis. Viewers are out in full force on social media weighing in on the series, with many arguing that it shouldn’t have aired at all.
This is far from the first time the docuseries raised eyebrows, however. Last week, it was reported that Williams’ guardian Sabrina Morrissey filed a lawsuit in an attempt to block Lifetime from airing it. Additionally, she requested a restraining order. Earlier this month, Williams’ ex Kevin Hunter Sr. also reportedly had some less than positive things to say about it. According to The U.S. Sun, he was shocked to see the trailer, as well as by his son’s involvement in the project.
“Kevin was shocked to see his ex-wife portrayed in such a negative light in the Lifetime trailer. He was also totally blindsided that their son, Kevin Jr, ended up signing onto the project after he initially said he wanted nothing to do with it,” a source told the outlet. Overall, fans agree, with most speculating that the best thing for Williams right now is privacy.
Social Media Reacts To Where Is Wendy Williams?
What do you think of Where Is Wendy Williams? Do you agree that the doc is exploitative, or are social media users overreacting? Share your thoughts in the comments section, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates. Check out some fans’ reactions down below.
There shouldn’t be any cameras infront of her at this state All she needs is family, care , support and healing.
I thought this #Lifetime docuseries was bout her making a comeback? A highlight reel of her legacy? A step back into that fun/messy host – instead Wendy’s on repeat, completely inebriated & deteriorating before our eyes? Something’s not right bout this show #WhereIsWendyWilliamspic.twitter.com/nfkZIF0CnV
— Thee Annointed Mr. Trigger Baddie (@FckRndNFoundOut) February 25, 2024
To be completely truthful, the #WhereIsWendyWilliams documentary should have never happened. I looks like just another way to make money off her.
I want to know who signed off on this documentary, and who is making money from it. That person needs to get dragged to the pits of hell. #WhereIsWendyWilliams
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
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: Wendy Williams attends a private dinner at Fresco By Scotto on February 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
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.
In a tale of resilience and determination, Wendy Williams, the beloved TV host, has embarked on a remarkable journey to reclaim her life and legacy in the face of daunting health challenges. After being placed under a financial guardianship and enduring the unexpected cancellation of her hit talk show, Williams refused to be defined by adversity.
Opening the doors to her private life like never before, cameras have chronicled Wendy’s comeback journey in a groundbreaking documentary that promises to offer unparalleled access to her struggles and triumphs. Over nearly two years, viewers will witness a candid and raw portrayal of Wendy’s battle against health issues and personal turbulence.
However, what was captured on film was not what anyone expected. In a shocking revelation, Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, conditions that profoundly affect language, communication, behavior, and function. This diagnosis comes after Wendy took a leave from her talk show in 2021 to address her health concerns and underwent extensive medical tests in 2023.
Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, Wendy Williams remains determined to share her story with the world. Her documentary promises an intimate glimpse into her life as she navigates the complexities of her health journey while striving to maintain her iconic status in the entertainment industry.
To catch Wendy Williams’ new documentary, viewers can sign up for a subscription to Frndly TV, the ultimate destination for feel-good television at affordable prices. Frndly TV offers over 40 channels of live streaming TV, plus on-demand and DVR options, ensuring that viewers never miss a moment of Wendy’s inspiring journey.
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Per a report from TMZ, the guardian of Wendy 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, as 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
This comes, as mentioned, amid the impending release of a controversial Lifetime documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams? Airing later this week, Wanda claims the documentary was originally meant to follow Williams’ triumphant return to television. However, things quickly changed course. The documentary is now expected to give a much more sobering look at Williams’ current state.
: https://t.co/RL0GEndCZT https://t.co/KroiJGrdJ7 pic.twitter.com/6bC1cVJJxT
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