In a highly unexpected turn of events, Wendy Williams, the former talk show host, was removed from her assisted living facility by the New York Police Department (NYPD) and transported to a local hospital on March 10 for evaluation. This incident follows a disturbing plea from Williams herself, who reportedly dropped a note out of her window earlier that morning, asking for help.
The Incident: What Happened to Wendy Williams?
On March 10, authorities responded to a welfare check request at the facility where Williams has been living under a legal guardianship since May 2022. The NYPD confirmed to PEOPLE that after conducting the welfare check, Williams was escorted out of the building by emergency medical services (EMS), who then transported her to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
This sudden action comes after a series of worrying public statements by Williams about her life under guardianship, where she has raised concerns about her health care and freedom.
- Wendy Williams dropped a note from her window that allegedly read: “Help! Wendy!!”
- The note led to an emergency welfare check by the NYPD.
- Williams was then taken to a hospital in an ambulance for medical evaluation.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggles Williams faces, both in her personal life and in her legal battle to regain control over her health and finances.
Wendy Williams’ Legal Guardianship: The Struggles Behind Closed Doors
Since May 2022, Wendy Williams has been living under a court-appointed guardianship, which oversees both her finances and health. This legal arrangement was made after Williams’ health deteriorated, and concerns over her mental capacity were raised.
The conservatorship has sparked controversy, particularly since Williams has publicly stated that she feels cognitively sound and yet is treated as if she is incapable of making decisions for herself. In interviews, she has claimed that she feels like she is being “held prisoner” in her own life.
In a notable appearance on The Breakfast Club in January 2023, Williams shared her frustration, saying:
- “I am not cognitively impaired but I feel like I am in prison.”
- She described her current living situation at the assisted facility, saying that residents there were much older than her, with some being in their 70s, 80s, and 90s.
- Williams mentioned that the elevators in the facility were locked, and that visitors were restricted, making her feel isolated.
This ongoing legal battle has been led by Sabrina Morrissey, her court-appointed guardian, who has repeatedly stated that Williams is “permanently disabled” and “legally incapacitated”. However, Williams has fought to regain her independence, insisting that she is not as incapacitated as others claim.
Wendy Williams’ Struggles with Her Health and Freedom
The New York Post and other media outlets have reported on Williams’ ongoing struggles with her health and independence. In recent months, she has alleged that she has not received any meaningful medical attention after being diagnosed with dementia in 2023.
In her TubiTV documentary, TMZ Presents: Saving Wendy Williams, she spoke candidly about her medical condition:
- She revealed that she had not seen a medical professional for months.
- “I couldn’t even estimate a general time frame,” she stated, noting that she had not been treated by a doctor during her time in the assisted living facility.
Furthermore, during a February segment on NewsNation’s Banfield, Williams described her frustrations, stating that she had little to no freedom in the facility:
- “I don’t have the freedom to do virtually anything.”
- She mentioned being on the fifth floor, which she described as the “memory unit” for those who suffer from memory loss.
Despite her claims, Sabrina Morrissey and others involved in the conservatorship have requested that Williams undergo another medical evaluation, a move that only highlights the ongoing tension between her desire for freedom and the legal system’s decisions regarding her health.
Wendy Williams’ Calls for Help: What Does This Mean for Her Future?
The most recent event, where Williams dropped the note asking for help, has drawn attention from both the public and the media. The fact that Williams felt compelled to take such drastic action raises several questions about her well-being and the oversight of her guardianship.
While Williams’ health and mental capacity have been the subject of intense scrutiny, this plea for help may signal her ongoing struggles to regain control of her life. The wellness check conducted by the NYPD may have been a critical moment in the ongoing legal dispute about Williams’ autonomy and her guardianship.
At the heart of the issue is Williams’ desire for independence. Despite being under guardianship, she has consistently expressed that she feels she is mentally capable and does not need the level of oversight imposed by her conservatorship.
However, it is important to recognise the complexity of the situation. On one hand, Williams’ pleas for help highlight the emotional and physical toll of her circumstances. On the other, the legal and medical professionals involved in her case assert that she may still be at risk due to health concerns.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Wendy Williams?
As Williams continues to fight for her freedom, the next steps in her legal battle will be crucial. The outcome will not only affect her future but may also have broader implications for others living under guardianship or conservatorship arrangements.
Williams has made it clear that she is fighting for her life and her choices, stating that she is “not cognitively impaired”. Her case underscores the delicate balance between personal autonomy and legal guardianship.
As more information about her health and legal proceedings comes to light, the public will likely continue to follow her journey closely, hoping for a resolution that allows Williams to regain her freedom and peace of mind.
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