Wendy Williams has shared details about her recent hospitalization after a wellness check by the police. Once a beloved TV host on The Wendy Williams Show, the 60-year-old broadcaster has been away from the spotlight since her diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023.
Since May 2022, Williams has been under a legal guardianship to help manage her finances and health, which has sparked controversy over the years.
Recently, pictures and videos surfaced showing the presenter being escorted out of her assisted-living facility before being taken to the hospital, prompting concerns for her health.
In a candid appearance on The Breakfast Club, Williams, alongside her caregiver Ginalisa Monterroso, explained what led to the incident.
Monterroso revealed that she requested the police to show up after pushing for Williams to request an independent medical evaluation at a hospital, as they had refused to be seen by the on-site healthcare professional.
“The police showed up – I’m exhausted, I wanted to go to the hospital to talk to the doctor,” Williams said. She also shared her frustration, saying, “I told them, I am not incapacitated, as I’ve been accused.
This floor I live on is the memory unit – the people there don’t remember anything. Unlike me, why am I here? What is going on? It’s a cry for help.”
Upon reaching the hospital, Williams underwent tests for heart palpitations and other medical evaluations.
The doctor found a discrepancy between her guardian’s and her lawyer’s opinions, prompting further action. Monterroso continued, saying, “The doctor saw there was a difference of opinion between the guardian’s and her lawyer’s opinions, and the doctor had to go to the legal department at the hospital.”
Following this, Williams took two competency tests assessing her decision-making ability and passed both. The results of these tests are expected to be used in court to petition to end her guardianship, as explained that the competency evaluation involved simple questions, such as asking her birthday and the current US president. Monterroso added that the evaluation results could be used in legal proceedings to help end the guardianship.
The New York Police Department confirmed their attendance at the assisted-living facility after reports claimed that Williams tossed a handwritten note out the window that read, “Help! Wendy!!” The police arrived shortly after the note was thrown, and Williams was seen waving her arms at the window while speaking on the phone.
She was later escorted from the facility, assisted by several officers, and placed in an ambulance, remaining silent during the process.
Williams has been vocal about her discontent with the guardianship arrangement. The court previously ruled that Williams is legally incapacitated, a decision made after observing her condition for over two years in various court settings and reviewing her medical history.
The guardianship was established to oversee her physical, emotional, and financial well-being and safeguard her from potential harm.
In a previous radio interview in January, Williams denied being cognitively impaired and expressed frustration with her situation, saying, “Do I seem that way? God damn it! Who I naturally am is who I naturally am!” She also criticized the guardianship system, calling it “broken” and lamenting that she feels trapped in a place with elderly residents.
As part of the ongoing legal battle, Williams has received support from her niece, Alex Finnie, who has publicly stated that Williams’ current state “does not match that of an incapacitated person.”
Finnie has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Williams’ legal efforts. The target is $50,000, which will cover court fees, attorney fees, and other legal expenses.
The fundraiser has gained momentum, and the donations will help Williams in her fight for independence.
In February, Williams expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support from her fans after revealing her diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
She thanked the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their efforts to raise awareness about FTD and for their support during her journey.
Williams’ fight to regain control over her life continues, with her legal team pushing to end the guardianship. With the recent medical evaluations in her favor, the future may hold new hope for the TV star, as she works to regain her independence.
