Viewers have labeled the new Lifetime documentary “exploitative,” “disturbing,” and even “ethically wrong.”
TV personality Wendy Williams attends the 2019 NYWIFT Muse Awards at the New York Hilton Midtown on December 10, 2019 in New York City.
Niki/Getty Images for New York Women in Film & Television
Wendy Williams‘ new documentary, Where is Wendy Williams?, was explosive. The doc aired on Lifetime on Saturday (Feb. 24) and Sunday (Feb. 25), giving fans a closer look at the ailing entertainer’s life lately (it’s streaming now on Amazon).
Williams was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia and Aphasia, as explained in a recent press release sent out by her team. They detailed that the former talk show was diagnosed in 2023 and had undergone a multitude of tests. Wendy spoke out for the first time in a statement to TODAY following the diagnosis.
“I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD),” she said. “Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming. The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”
However, the documentary doesn’t address her diagnosis. Instead it highlights her at her lowest moments, struggling with her autoimmune disorder Graves’ disease. Another focal point is Wendy being placed under guardianship, which transpired in 2022. As a result, she details how she has “no money.” At various points, Williams lashes out at her loved ones and her team, forgets who people are, and even breaks down in tears. Where is Wendy Williams? is a difficult watch.
Social media wasn’t pleased with the documentary and called it “exploitative,” “disturbing,” and “ethically wrong.” Folks took to X/Twitter to voice their concerns with the documentary and its content. Fans were also unsettled that the project was still given the green light knowing that Wendy Williams is currently sick.
“This ‘dementia or not’ conversation is wildly frustrating because clearly a lot of y’all do not know what the symptoms of dementia actually are,” one fan posted on X/Twitter. “It is totally ethically wrong to exploit a person who has now been diagnosed with a delibating disease as Wendy Williams has been,” another account typed.
I don’t know who allowed this documentary to be aired but it feels very exploitative of someone who has dementia. I’ve never been a fan of #WendyWilliams but everyone has a right to their dignity. Whoever approved this should be ashamed. pic.twitter.com/7B15fpD7St
— Elle Lynne (@ElleLynne5) February 25, 2024
Dr. Jen Caudle, a certified family doctor, offered commentary regarding the doc’s insistence on getting Williams “healing.” “One of the most disturbing things about the #WendyWilliams documentary #WhereIsWendyWilliams thus far, is that there is all this talk about ‘healing’ and Wendy’s health but I haven’t seen any sign of a doctor or a doctor’s office anywhere,” Caudle expressed.
Other spectators called out her history of being “nasty” during her tenure as a talk show host. They claimed that her condition was karma. But Williams’ fans clapped back, calling out people for using the “karma” argument as a reason to hate her.
“If wendy williams dementia is ‘karma’ for her career of gossiping then y’all better RUN from karma cause y’all have said worse on this app for free,” someone else typed. “Prayers for #WendyWilliams. Some might say it’s ‘karma’ but I can’t agree with that. I still have a soft spot in my heart for Wendy.”
VIBE echoes the latter statement. May thoughts and prayers be with the Williams family at this time.
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