Wendy Williams’ Guardian Accuses A+E Networks Of ‘Blatant Exploitation Of A Vulnerable Woman’ In Newly Unsealed Lawsuit Over Documentary

Wendy Williams

Wendy Williams’ Guardian Accuses A+E Networks Of ‘Blatant Exploitation Of A Vulnerable Woman’ In Newly Unsealed Lawsuit Over Documentary

Update (March 15): The lawsuit Wendy Williams’ guardian filed against Lifetime’s parent company in an attempt to stop her documentary from airing has been unsealed.

Sabrina Morrisey sued A+E Television Networks last month, just days before Where is Wendy Williams? premiered on Lifetime and revealed the former talk show host’s struggles with alcoholism, mental and physical health issues, as well as not having access to her money. (Appellate Justice Peter H. Moulton ruled against Morrisey and decided that blocking the two-part series would violate the right to free speech under the First Amendment.)

In court documents unsealed on Thursday (March 14), A+E is accused of mediating the deal to film the documentary while Wendy Williams was not in her right state of mind. The filing alleges that Williams was told the project would be “positive and beneficial” for her after years of being out of the spotlight. The filing adds,

“This blatant exploitation of a vulnerable woman with a serious medical condition who is beloved by millions within and outside of the African American community is disgusting, and it cannot be allowed.”

A+E has since responded to the unsealed docs and said in a statement,

“We look forward to the unsealing of our papers as well, as they tell a very different story.”

Original Story (Feb. 23): Wendy Williams‘ guardian is taking legal action against Lifetime’s parent company just days before her emotional documentary, Where is Wendy Williams? premieres on the network.

A woman named Sabrina Morrisey filed a lawsuit against A+E Television Networks, identifying herself as the temporary guardian of W.W.H., which is believed to be Wendy Williams Hunter. 

Wendy Williams

She also filed a temporary restraining order, a move that appears to be an attempt to block the two-part project from airing.  However, Morrisey’s filing is sealed, so it’s unclear to the public what she’s suing for exactly. A hearing is scheduled for next week that will decide if the documents will be unsealed.

In a preview for Where is Wendy Williams? her family expresses concern over her guardian, with the personality’s 23-year-old son Kevin Hunter Jr., stating,

“I feel like the guardian hasn’t done a good job of protecting my mom.”

Her sister is also heard saying,

“I think that the guardianship system is broken. We are her family. And you tell me that I’m not capable of taking care of my sister … What should I do?”

The lawsuit comes as it was announced this week that the former daytime talk show host, 59, has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.

A press release via PR Newswire states in part:

“In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”

Later adding:

“Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. 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.”

Wendy Williams

Williams’ family also spoke out in an interview this week and shared that they are unable to talk to the former radio host as she’s in a treatment facility for “cognitive issues.”

Her niece, Alex Finnie, said,

“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. It was shocking and heartbreaking to see her in this state.”

Her family also noted that her guardian, whom they did not name, is the only one with unlimited access to her, and they have no way to get in contact with Williams directly.

Her sister Wanda said,

“The people who love her cannot see her…I think the big [question] is: How the hell did we get here?”

Where is Wendy Williams? airs Saturday, February 24, and Sunday, February 25, on Lifetime at 8/7c.

What are your thoughts on the reported lawsuit ahead of the documentary’s premiere? Tell us in the comments.

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