Wendy Williams’ Lawyer Challenges Dementia Diagnosis
Wendy Williams’ lawyer has refuted claims of her having frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and aphasia, which were reportedly diagnosed two years ago. Attorney Joe Tacopina stated that New York neurologist Dr. Samuel E. Gandy assessed Williams, now 61, and concluded she “does not have frontotemporal dementia.”
In a recent appearance on “Nightline,” Tacopina mentioned that Williams might actually be suffering from something related to alcoholism. He referred to “alcoholic dementia,” suggesting that it was something she struggled with previously. “She was an alcoholic, there’s no question about that,” he said. “Wendy was drunk almost 24 hours a day. It looked like she needed help. She needed help. She needed alcohol rehab.”
Interestingly, Williams has described the assisted living facility tied to her conservatorship as “garbage.”
Tacopina also expressed skepticism about earlier diagnoses, stating, “I don’t know who the doctor is. I haven’t seen the report!”
“Wendy was drunk almost 24 hours a day. It looked like she needed help. She definitely needed help. She needed alcohol rehab.”
— Joe Tacopina
In a response from Sabrina E. Morrissey, who oversees Williams’ conservatorship, any claims of mismanagement were firmly denied. “Mr. Morrissey vehemently denies any wrongdoing, mismanagement, or self-dealing with respect to Mr. Williams’ guardianship,” the statement emphasized.
Tacopina suggested that Williams could terminate her conservatorship by the end of the year. After a challenging year in 2025, she was evaluated following a welfare check and asserted on “The View” that she was not incompetent and wished to escape the lengthy conservatorship.
Since her talk show was canceled in June 2022, Williams has largely kept a low profile. Her struggles with alcoholism were highlighted in the Lifetime documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams,” which followed her diagnosis being made public.
In a candid moment, when asked about her “substance abuse issues,” she replied, “Well, I love Tito Puente. I love vodka.” She noted that her son, Kevin Jr., also did not approve of her drinking habits.
Regina Shell, a long-time friend, stated that Williams’ drinking escalated during her marriage’s end to ex-husband Kevin Hunter, who had a child with another woman while still married to Williams.
Though Williams entered a treatment facility in 2019, she returned to New York to film the show and temporarily lived in a sober house. During the production of her documentary, she spent two months in a wellness center, although the reasons for her admission weren’t disclosed.
Will Selby, her manager, went through her home trying to find and dispose of hidden alcohol bottles. Williams made a brief return to public life in February 2023, dining out with Selby, where she ordered alcohol, but Selby discreetly requested a non-alcoholic substitute.
When questioned about her fondness for drinking, she stated, “Because I can. Just because I value alcohol.”
In February 2024, Williams’ team announced her diagnoses of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, underscoring concerns about her ability to process information and her increasingly erratic behavior.
Following the announcement, Williams expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion in her statement.
