The Five Shocking Reasons Wendy Williams’ Guardianship Was Upheld And What Her New Diagnosis Means For Her Future

As of December 10, 2025, the legal battle over Wendy Williams’ autonomy has reached a definitive and heartbreaking conclusion: her court-ordered guardianship has been upheld by a New York judge following a comprehensive new medical evaluation. This decision deals a significant blow to the former talk show host’s hopes of regaining control of her life and multi-million dollar estate, cementing the restrictive legal arrangement put in place since early 2022.

The latest court filings confirm that Williams' request for a re-evaluation, which she hoped would terminate the guardianship, was denied, with her updated health diagnosis being the key factor in the ruling. The ongoing saga has intensified public scrutiny on the controversial practice of plenary guardianship and the circumstances surrounding the television icon’s current condition.

Wendy Williams: Complete Biographical Profile & Health Timeline

The life and career of Wendy Williams have been marked by groundbreaking success in media, followed by a series of health and legal challenges that led to her current guardianship.

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• Full Name: Wendy Joan Williams
• Born: July 18, 1964
• Age (as of 2025): 61
• Birthplace: Asbury Park, New Jersey, U.S.
• Parents: Thomas Williams Sr. and Shirley Williams
• Education: Northeastern University (B.A. in Communications)
• Occupation: Television personality, radio host, author, actress, producer
• Notable Work: The syndicated talk show The Wendy Williams Show (2008–2022), WBLS radio show (1989–1998), WQHT radio show (1998–2009).
• Net Worth (Estimated 2025): Approximately $5 million, a significant decrease from her peak earnings, complicated by the financial guardianship.
• Key Health Diagnoses: Graves' disease, hyperthyroidism, lymphedema, and most recently, Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).
• Guardian: Sabrina Morrissey (court-appointed New York attorney).

The Five Critical Factors Behind The Guardianship Decision

The court’s decision to uphold the guardianship is not based on a single issue, but rather a combination of medical, financial, and legal findings. The proceedings, which are sealed, have been pieced together through public statements, legal filings, and the recent Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?

1. The Confirmation of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Aphasia

The most devastating and definitive factor in the court’s ruling is the official diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). FTD is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the parts of the brain controlling personality, behavior, and language. PPA, a type of FTD, specifically impacts communication abilities, making it difficult for Williams to understand or use language effectively. This diagnosis, which was confirmed in 2023, provides the legal basis for the court to deem her "cognitively impaired" and unable to manage her own affairs.

2. Denial of Williams’ Request for a New Health Evaluation

In a major legal setback, Williams’ attempts to challenge the guardianship by requesting an independent medical review were denied by the presiding judge. Her legal team argued that she was capable of making her own decisions. However, the court-mandated medical exam, which was recently completed, reaffirmed the previous findings, leading to the extension of the legal arrangement until at least November.

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3. The Role of Court-Appointed Guardian Sabrina Morrissey

Attorney Sabrina Morrissey, who was appointed as Williams’ guardian, has consistently filed paperwork arguing for the necessity of the guardianship. Morrissey is tasked with managing Williams' financial affairs and ensuring her well-being. The court’s acceptance of Morrissey’s request for an extension of the guardianship period highlights the judge's reliance on the guardian's assessment of Williams' current state and need for protection. The arrangement is described as a plenary guardianship, granting the guardian broad control over both her person and her finances.

4. Concerns Over Financial Exploitation and Cognitive Impairment

The guardianship was initially established in 2022 after her bank, Wells Fargo, raised serious concerns about her well-being and potential financial exploitation. The bank requested a court hearing, believing Williams was "of unsound mind" and vulnerable. The court's primary duty is to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, and the documented cognitive impairment due to FTD provides a clear legal justification for maintaining the financial and personal oversight. The guardianship ensures that her substantial assets are managed responsibly and not misused.

5. The Ongoing $250 Million Lawsuit by Ex-Husband Kevin Hunter

The contentious legal environment surrounding Williams further complicates the matter. Her ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, has filed a massive $250 million lawsuit against the guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, and the judge involved in the case. Hunter's legal action alleges wrongdoing and misconduct related to the guardianship process. While the lawsuit does not directly challenge Williams' medical status, the existence of such high-stakes litigation underscores the need for a stable, court-supervised structure to protect Williams' interests from external legal pressures and family disputes.

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What Does Plenary Guardianship Mean for Wendy Williams' Life?

The term "plenary guardianship" signifies that the guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, has been granted complete authority over Williams’ personal and financial life. This level of control means Williams cannot legally make major decisions regarding her healthcare, residence, or finances without the guardian's approval. The recent documentary coverage has painted a picture of a highly restrictive environment, with Williams currently residing in a facility to receive treatment for her cognitive issues since April 2023. Her family has publicly expressed frustration over their limited access and inability to directly intervene in her care.

• Financial Control: The guardian manages all her assets, including royalties, investments, and her remaining net worth.
• Medical Decisions: The guardian approves all treatment plans for her FTD, PPA, and other conditions like Graves' disease and lymphedema.
• Personal Freedom: Her movements and communications are heavily monitored, leading to public comparison of her situation to other high-profile conservatorship cases.

The court's decision to uphold the guardianship, based on the severity of her frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, confirms that the legal system prioritizes her protection over her expressed desire for freedom. This ongoing legal saga highlights the complex intersection of celebrity, mental health, and the legal system's role in protecting vulnerable individuals from themselves and others.