Wendy Williams, a prominent figure in daytime television, has faced numerous health challenges over the years. Since stepping away from her talk show in 2021, she has largely remained out of the public eye. Her health issues have been compounded by legal battles and controversies surrounding her guardianship. The release of the Lifetime documentary "Where Is Wendy Williams?" in 2024 shed light on her struggles and raised further questions about her well-being. In March 2025, Williams was taken to a hospital following a wellness check at an assisted living facility, reigniting public concern.
A Timeline of Wendy's Health Struggles
Wendy Williams' career has been marred by various health issues that have significantly impacted her life and career. From fainting on live TV to being diagnosed with multiple medical conditions, her journey has been both challenging and resilient. Each setback has tested her resolve and forced her to prioritize her health over her professional commitments. Despite these difficulties, Williams has shown remarkable strength and openness about her struggles.
In October 2017, Williams fainted during a Halloween episode of her talk show due to overheating in her costume. She quickly recovered but this incident marked the beginning of her health-related absences. In February 2018, she canceled several tapings due to flu-like symptoms, revealing her diagnosis with Graves' disease shortly after. Over the next few years, she battled thyroid issues, fractures, addiction, and lymphedema. In May 2020, she took another break due to Graves' disease symptoms, and in September 2021, she delayed the premiere of season 13 after testing positive for COVID-19. By October 2021, Williams began a prolonged hiatus, ultimately leading to the cancellation of her show in June 2022. Her resilience through these health crises highlights her dedication to both her craft and her well-being.
Guardianship Controversies and Recent Developments
Williams' health challenges were not just physical; they also led to significant legal and financial disputes. The controversy surrounding her guardianship began in early 2022 when Wells Fargo froze her accounts and petitioned for financial guardianship. This move sparked a heated debate about her mental capacity and well-being. Despite her strong denial of any incapacitation, Williams was placed under temporary financial guardianship. The situation escalated as her team revealed her diagnoses of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023.
In February 2022, Wells Fargo initiated proceedings to appoint a financial guardian, claiming that Williams was incapacitated. Her attorney vehemently denied these allegations, emphasizing that Williams was actively seeking holistic treatments for her health issues. The court eventually appointed a guardian over her finances, a decision Williams strongly opposed. The release of the Lifetime documentary in 2024 brought renewed attention to her condition, especially after it was revealed that she had been diagnosed with aphasia and dementia. Most recently, in March 2025, Williams was transported to a hospital following a wellness check at an assisted living facility. This event has once again raised concerns about her health and the ongoing guardianship battle. Her story continues to be one of resilience and determination amidst adversity.