Shawn Zanotti Speaks Out: Regrets and Revelations from ‘Where Is Wendy Williams?

In a heartfelt revelation to PEOPLE, Shawn Zanotti, the former publicist for Wendy Williams, has expressed deep regret over her participation in the Lifetime docuseries, “Where Is Wendy Williams?”, which delved into the complex and troubled life of the iconic talk show host following her departure from television. Zanotti’s disappointment stems from the portrayal of Williams, a situation she describes as utterly disheartening. “It’s horrible they would do something like this to her,” Zanotti lamented, questioning the motives behind the documentary’s creation.

The series, which aired over the weekend, drew significant attention on social media, casting Zanotti in a controversial light regarding her stance on Williams’ health and substance abuse issues. Reflecting on her involvement, Zanotti confessed she would have refrained from participating had she known the documentary’s focus would not celebrate Williams’ illustrious career. “She’s an icon. It’s not the story we signed up for, and I feel lied to,” Zanotti stated, emphasizing the emotional difficulty of watching the series and Williams’ probable dismay at the depiction.

Zanotti’s connection to Williams dates back to a challenging period in Williams’ life, including a stint in a health facility for cognitive issues in April 2023. Just before the documentary’s release, Williams was diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, adding layers of complexity to her already public struggles.

Reflecting on her time as Williams’ publicist, Zanotti disclosed the financial and personal sacrifices she made, including working without compensation and providing support from her own resources. She shared poignant stories of Williams’ vulnerability, such as times when Williams felt neglected and hungry, prompting Zanotti and Williams’ close friend, Regina Shell, to order food for her from afar.

Zanotti’s involvement with the documentary initially promised to capture Williams’ anticipated comeback through a new podcast venture. However, the narrative shifted dramatically, focusing on Williams’ battles with addiction and health issues, including Graves’ disease and lymphedema, not to mention the recent diagnoses that were unknown at the filming’s start.

Despite limited personal interactions with Williams, Zanotti was unaware of the severity of Williams’ condition, having been reassured by Williams’ management team of her readiness for a comeback. Zanotti defended her role in the documentary, emphasizing her efforts to protect Williams’ brand and image, despite disagreeing with the project’s direction and the portrayal of their relationship.

The documentary’s focus on negative aspects of Williams’ life, instead of the positive moments Zanotti believed they shared, left her feeling betrayed and misrepresented. The situation was further complicated by Williams’ management and the documentary producers, leading to Zanotti’s eventual exclusion from the project without notice.