Wendy Williams’ Guardian Files Lawsuit Ahead of Lifetime Doc Premiere

Wendy Williams’ guardian has filed a lawsuit against A&E Networks, potentially seeking to block the premiere of the new Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?

The two-part film is set to air this weekend, Feb 24 and 25, and will explore the past few years of the media personality’s life as her health declined and she was ultimately placed under court-ordered guardianship in 2022. Though the lawsuit is sealed, it is seeking some kind of injunctive relief, suggesting the aim is to delay or derail the doc’s premiere. 

Lifetime, however, appeared undeterred by the suit. In a statement shared with People, the network said, “Lifetime appeared in court today, and the documentary Where Is Wendy Williams? will air this weekend as planned.”

Sabrina Morrissey, “acting in her capacity as Temporary Guardian” of Williams, filed the lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court on Thursday, Feb. 23. It named both A&E Networks and Entertainment One Reality Productions as defendants. A&E reportedly filed an appeal to the suit on Friday morning, Feb. 23.

Lawyers for Morrissey/Williams, as well as attorneys for A&E and Entertainment One Reality did not immediately return Rolling Stone’s requests for comment. 

Along with the legal battle, it was announced earlier this week that Williams had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. In a statement, her care team said the former talk show host received numerous tests after “she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.” 

Williams’ team noted that the former talk show host had been able to receive crucial care because she received an early diagnosis. They said their decision to share the news publicly was spurred by a desire to “advocate for understanding and compassion” and “to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances.” (Bruce Willis was diagnosed with the same disease last year.)

Aphasia can affect language and communication abilities, while dementia impacts behavior and cognitive function. Despite all this, Williams’ team said she was “still able to do many things for herself,” adding: “Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”

This story was updated 2/23/24 @ 2:44 p.m. ET with a statement from Lifetime.

Wendy Williams’ guardian has filed a lawsuit against A&E Networks, potentially seeking to block the premiere of the new Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?

The two-part film is set to air this weekend, Feb 24 and 25, and will explore the past few years of the media personality’s life as her health declined and she was ultimately placed under court-ordered guardianship in 2022. Though the lawsuit is sealed, it is seeking some kind of injunctive relief, suggesting the aim is to delay or derail the doc’s premiere. 

Lifetime, however, appeared undeterred by the suit. In a statement shared with People, the network said, “Lifetime appeared in court today, and the documentary Where Is Wendy Williams? will air this weekend as planned.”

Sabrina Morrissey, “acting in her capacity as Temporary Guardian” of Williams, filed the lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court on Thursday, Feb. 23. It named both A&E Networks and Entertainment One Reality Productions as defendants. A&E reportedly filed an appeal to the suit on Friday morning, Feb. 23.

Lawyers for Morrissey/Williams, as well as attorneys for A&E and Entertainment One Reality did not immediately return Rolling Stone’s requests for comment. 

Along with the legal battle, it was announced earlier this week that Williams had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. In a statement, her care team said the former talk show host received numerous tests after “she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.” 

Williams’ team noted that the former talk show host had been able to receive crucial care because she received an early diagnosis. They said their decision to share the news publicly was spurred by a desire to “advocate for understanding and compassion” and “to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances.” (Bruce Willis was diagnosed with the same disease last year.)

Aphasia can affect language and communication abilities, while dementia impacts behavior and cognitive function. Despite all this, Williams’ team said she was “still able to do many things for herself,” adding: “Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”

This story was updated 2/23/24 @ 2:44 p.m. ET with a statement from Lifetime.