“I Feel Like I’m in Prison”: Wendy Williams Opens Up About Her Guardianship Battle [Video]

Wendy Williams is finally speaking out about her life under a conservatorship, revealing in an interview that her current situation feels like a “prison.”

VIDEO

The 60-year-old former talk show host called into The Breakfast Club Thursday morning, speaking with guest host Loren LoRosa, DJ Envy, and her longtime friend and former co-host Charlamagne Tha God. Wendy addressed her ongoing legal battles, her living conditions, and her frustration with a system she says has taken away her independence.

“I am not cognitively impaired,” Wendy said during the call. “But I feel like I’m in prison. I’m in this place where the people are in their 90s, their 80s, and their 70s. There’s something wrong with this system.” Wendy’s conservatorship, which began after she was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia, is overseen by her guardian Sabrina Morrissey. However, Wendy and her family claim the arrangement has resulted in unnecessary restrictions and emotional abuse.

Wendy described the facility she’s in as a “luxury prison,” explaining that she isn’t allowed to leave, have visitors, or even receive phone calls. Her own phone was taken away, leaving her unable to freely communicate. “You can’t even take a walk or visit family members,” Wendy said. “This system is broken.” Wendy also shared that she recently discovered her two cats were given away without her permission and that she has been blocked from choosing her own doctors.

Wendy’s niece, Alex Finnie, also joined the call to provide additional context about her aunt’s situation. Finnie said the facility has such high security that it’s almost impossible to visit Wendy. “She’s not getting proper sunlight,” Finnie explained. “When I went to visit her in October, I was questioned over and over—‘Who are you? Why are you here? What’s the purpose?’ It was absolutely horrible.” Finnie referred to the living conditions as a “luxury prison,” adding that the system has failed Wendy and many others like her.

Wendy became emotional when discussing her fear of not being able to visit her 94-year-old father for his upcoming birthday in February. “At 94, the day after that is not promised,” she said tearfully. Wendy also expressed frustration over not being able to make purchases herself and having to rely on others to get everything for her.

This emotional interview follows a series of legal battles involving Wendy’s guardianship. In a November court filing, Morrissey claimed that Wendy was “permanently incapacitated,” sparking outrage among Wendy’s supporters and family members. Finnie has publicly criticized Morrissey’s handling of the conservatorship, accusing her of exploiting the system and failing to allow Wendy the opportunity to regain her independence. Finnie also pointed out that Wendy has not undergone a recent medical evaluation to determine whether the conservatorship is still necessary.

Fans of the beloved TV icon are rallying around her as the fight over her care continues. The situation has also reignited conversations about conservatorship reform, an issue that gained significant attention following Britney Spears’ high-profile legal battle. Finnie called the system a “shame” and urged Wendy’s supporters to speak up. “There is a lack of scrutiny across the board. There’s neglect, financial exploitation, and emotional abuse. Wendy is one of the many people suffering because of this broken system.”

Despite the restrictions, Wendy was aware of the potential consequences of speaking out but felt it was necessary. According to Finnie, Wendy knew her privileges could be further restricted after the interview. “She said, ‘I have to do this. There’s nothing else I can do at this point,’” Finnie shared.

Wendy, who has rarely been seen in public since 2024, remains a beloved figure among fans. She was last spotted in August, marking one of her few public appearances since her health and legal issues became public knowledge. Representatives for Wendy confirmed her diagnoses in 2023 but emphasized that she is capable of many daily activities and has had input in her care team.