Wendy Williams’ conservator, Sabrina Morrissey, is taking legal action against A&E Networks, Lifetime, and the creators of the docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?” over what she claims to be an unfair distribution of earnings. The lawsuit, reported by Page Six, alleges that Williams only received $82,000 from the project, while the production companies and creators likely profited millions.
The docuseries, which chronicles the rise and struggles of the former talk show host, delves into her health issues, personal life, and sudden departure from the spotlight. Williams, a New Jersey native and a fixture in daytime television, was known for her candid, often controversial, commentary on celebrity gossip. However, since 2022, she has been battling severe health challenges, which led to the eventual cancellation of her long-running talk show, The Wendy Williams Show.
In February of this year, Williams’ team revealed that she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a condition that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, impairing her cognitive functions, speech, and behavior. Along with dementia, she is also suffering from aphasia, a language disorder that further impacts her ability to communicate. These health issues have led to her conservatorship, with Morrissey appointed to manage her affairs, including her financial and legal matters.
Morrissey’s lawsuit claims that Williams was severely undercompensated for her contributions to the docuseries, despite being the subject of the production. “Where Is Wendy Williams?” sought to capture public interest by exploring her personal and professional life, but the conservator asserts that the networks and creators exploited Williams’ condition and fame without fairly compensating her for the revenue the docuseries generated.
“Wendy Williams has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, and it is unjust that she received such a paltry sum from a project based on her life and career,” said Morrissey in a statement. The lawsuit emphasizes that Williams’ medical condition has made her vulnerable to exploitation and that the networks took advantage of her diminished capacity by failing to negotiate a fair agreement.
Representatives for A&E Networks and Lifetime have yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit, though legal experts speculate that the case could open up discussions about ethical considerations in producing docuseries about individuals with incapacitating health conditions. The issue of compensation for documentary subjects, particularly those unable to advocate for themselves, is becoming a growing concern in the entertainment industry.
Williams’ fans have been vocal on social media, with many expressing outrage over the alleged mistreatment. “Wendy gave her all to her audience for years. The least they could do is ensure she’s properly compensated,” one fan tweeted, capturing the sentiment of her loyal following.
As legal proceedings begin, Morrissey is expected to push for not only a larger payout for Williams but also potential punitive damages for what she describes as unethical business practices. The lawsuit may also seek a review of contracts and payments made to the producers, further revealing the financial breakdown of the project’s earnings.
Meanwhile, Wendy Williams continues to receive medical care for her conditions, with limited public appearances. While her health issues have largely kept her out of the public eye, this lawsuit brings renewed attention to her legacy and the financial and legal battles she faces in the wake of her talk show’s end.
The docuseries, which premiered earlier this year, drew attention for its candid portrayal of Williams’ struggles, but it now faces controversy for the alleged unfair treatment of its central figure. Fans and critics alike are closely watching how the legal battle unfolds, as it may set a precedent for future projects involving celebrities with significant health issues.
