Wendy Williams has spoken out for the first time since being diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
The 59-year-old television personality was diagnosed with the condition in 2023, her representative confirmed in a statement Thursday. On Friday, Williams’ representatives shared a personal statement from a talk show host hosted by her care team.
“I want to express my immense gratitude for the love and kind words I received after I shared my diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD),” Williams wrote. “Let me just say wow! Your response was overwhelming.”
Wendy Williams has spoken out for the first time since being diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. (Michael Tran/Film Magic)
She continued, “The messages shared with me touched me and reminded me of the power of unity and the need for compassion. I hope others with FTD will benefit from my story. I am.”
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“I would also like to thank the Frontotemporal Degeneration Association for their kind words of support and their extraordinary efforts to raise awareness of FTD,” added Williams.
“I continue to need personal space and peace in order to grow. Please know that I deeply appreciate your positivity and encouragement.”
In a statement Thursday, Williams’ representatives explained that they were disclosing her diagnosis on her behalf to “correct inaccurate and harmful rumors regarding her health.”
Ms Williams said she was “immeasurably grateful for the love and kind words” she had received. (Bravo/NBCU Photobank via Getty Images)
“In recent years, questions have sometimes been raised about Wendy’s ability to process information, particularly Wendy’s condition when she became mute, sometimes behaved erratically, and began to have difficulty understanding financial transactions. “Many people are speculating about this,” the statement said. Said.
“In 2023, after undergoing a series of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Aphasia affects language and communication skills. Frontotemporal dementia is a progressive disease that affects behavior and cognitive function, and has already posed major hurdles in Wendy’s life.”
Specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine have been identified as part of Wendy’s “current care team” to help her “get the medical care she needs.”
“Not only to appeal for understanding and sympathy for Wendy, but also to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and to help thousands of other people facing similar situations. , the decision to share this news was difficult but was made after careful consideration.” “Unfortunately, many people diagnosed with aphasia or frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misconceptions, especially if they are beginning to show changes in behavior but have not yet received a diagnosis. .
“Wendy can still do so much for herself. Most importantly, she maintains her trademark sense of humor and receives the care she needs to ensure she is protected and her needs are met. She appreciates the many kind thoughts and needs.” We wish her all the best. ”
Most notably, actor bruce willis In 2022, he was diagnosed with a brain disorder that affects his ability to communicate. According to the National Institute on Aging, FTD is “the result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.” “Many symptoms can occur, including abnormal behavior, emotional problems, communication problems, difficulty working, and difficulty walking.”
Through his agent, Williams said the support has been “overwhelming.” (Getty Images)
Williams has largely stayed out of the spotlight since her self-titled talk show was canceled in June 2022, but a new Lifetime documentary titled “Where Is Wendy Williams?” has been produced.We tried to catch Wendy’s comeback that launched her podcast career, only to see her struggle alcoholism and health issues.
In April 2023, Wendy entered a facility to be treated for “cognitive issues” caused by alcohol abuse, and the film crew stopped filming, and Wendy’s family told People magazine that communication with Wendy was through a court-appointed decision. He claimed he was only doing so through his legal guardian.
On Friday, Lifetime confirmed to Fox News Digital that the documentary will air as scheduled this weekend, despite a lawsuit filed by Williams’ temporary conservator against the station’s parent company, A&E Television Networks. .
Williams’ temporary legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, filed a sealed lawsuit Thursday against A&E in New York County Supreme Court, according to USA Today. According to the outlet, Morrissey is suing Lifetime for a temporary restraining order and to stop the documentary from airing.
However, a Lifetime representative confirmed to Fox News Digital on Friday that the network is moving forward with releasing the two-part documentary on Saturday and Sunday.
“Mr. Lifetime was in court today to release the documentary ‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’ which will air as scheduled this weekend,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Legal documents state that Morrissey is “acting in a capacity as interim conservator of WWH,” with the initials “WWH” likely representing Williams’ legal name. the host According to the newspaper, she began using her ex-husband Kelvin Hunter’s last name after getting married.
Entertainment One Reality Productions is the company behind “Where’s Wendy Williams?” He was also named as a defendant in the lawsuit, according to USA Today.
A representative for Mr. Williams told Fox News Digital on Friday that he is “not aware of anything related to the Lifetime situation.”
Part 1 of “Where Is Wendy Williams?” will air on February 24th at 8pm and Part 2 will air on Lifetime on February 25th at 8pm.
Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
