- October
3
2025 - 5
A fresh medical assessment has kept Wendy Williams under guardianship despite her public insistence that she "passed competency tests with flying colors." The latest court papers, reviewed by People magazine, show that an extensive neuro‑psychological battery and brain‑imaging scans reaffirmed the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and aphasia first disclosed in 2023.
Background: The Guardianship That Began in 2022
Williams, the 61‑year‑old former talk‑show host, first entered a court‑appointed guardianship in November 2022 after friends and family raised concerns about her ability to manage personal affairs. The judge named Sabrina Morrissey, a longtime associate, as her legal guardian. Since then, the arrangement has been contested repeatedly, with her ex‑husband Kevin Hunter filing a $250 million lawsuit in June 2024 alleging abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
New Medical Evaluation: What the Tests Revealed
In May 2025, a team of neurologists and neuropsychologists conducted a battery of more than 30 tests, including MRI and FDG‑PET scans, to gauge Williams' cognitive function. While the exact scores were sealed, the physicians’ formal opinion—attached to the court filing—re‑affirmed the presence of FTD and aphasia, noting “progressive decline in executive function and language comprehension.”
Frontotemporal dementia affects roughly 6 out of every 100,000 adults in the United States and is the second most common cause of early‑onset dementia after Alzheimer’s. Aphasia, a language‑processing disorder, often co‑occurs with FTD, making communication especially challenging for patients.
Legal Maneuvers: Extensions and Challenges
Following the evaluation, Morrissey’s attorney requested that the current protective order remain in place until November 3, 2025, giving the presiding judge time to decide on a possible continuation of the guardianship. A separate filing pushed the deadline to November 5, citing procedural needs.
Meanwhile, Hunter’s counsel submitted a motion to replace Morrissey with an impartial guardian, arguing that the existing arrangement “undermines Williams’ constitutional rights.” Other family members have also signaled their intent to contest both the diagnosis and Morrissey’s suitability.
Voices from the Frontline
During a March 2025 incident, the New York Police Department escorted Williams out of an assisted‑living facility and took her to a nearby hospital. The episode reignited media scrutiny and fueled her public pleas for autonomy.
On August 20, 2025, Williams appeared via phone on Good Day New York alongside defense attorney Joe Tacopina. She disputed the dementia label, describing her life as “restricted to a memory‑care floor, watching TV, listening to the radio, and being in this dump.” Tacopina countered, stating the claims were “false and constitute a violation of her rights,” while emphasizing ongoing appeals.
Williams also mentioned receiving support from fans abroad, noting, “I have people from Tel Aviv excited to hear me this morning.” Her longing for a return to the entertainment world is palpable, even as she confronts legal roadblocks.
Potential Outcomes: What Could Change in November?
If the judge decides to lift the guardianship, Williams would regain control over her finances, medical decisions and living arrangements. However, the court could also appoint a new, court‑supervised guardian—potentially a professional fiduciary—if it finds that her condition still warrants oversight.
Legal scholars note that the case could set a precedent for how courts balance celebrity privacy with public interest in health disclosures. The interplay between medical expertise and legal standards of competency will be under the microscope.
Broader Implications: Guardianship, Media, and Mental‑Health Stigma
The high‑profile nature of Williams’ battle shines a light on the broader issue of guardianship abuse. Advocates argue that many older adults—especially those without fame—face similar battles in silence. The case also underscores societal misconceptions about dementia; frontotemporal dementia often presents with personality changes that can be misread as deliberate behavior.
For the entertainment industry, the saga raises questions about contractual obligations, insurance coverage for performers with cognitive diagnoses, and the role of union protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is frontotemporal dementia and how does it affect Wendy Williams?
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that damages the brain's frontal and temporal lobes, leading to impaired judgment, language difficulties (aphasia), and changes in personality. In Williams’ case, doctors say the disease has progressed enough to limit her ability to manage finances and make informed medical choices, which is why the court keeps the guardianship.
Why does Sabrina Morrissey remain the guardian?
Morrissey was appointed in 2022 after a judge determined Williams needed a trustworthy person to oversee her affairs. The recent medical report validates the original concerns, and her attorney has asked the court to keep her in the role until a November decision, arguing continuity benefits the patient.
What are Kevin Hunter’s claims in his $250 million lawsuit?
Hunter alleges that the guardianship structure led to abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, demanding a new impartial guardian, unsealed court records, and $250 million in damages for alleged mismanagement of Williams’ assets.
When is the court expected to make a final ruling?
The judge has set a tentative deadline for a decision between November 3 and November 5, 2025, after reviewing the latest medical findings and the pending motions from both Williams’ side and her family.
How might this case affect future guardianship proceedings?
Because Williams is a public figure, the case could prompt courts to scrutinize medical evidence more closely and encourage legislative reforms to protect vulnerable adults from potentially overreaching guardianships.
About Author
I am a journalist with a focus on daily news in Africa. I love shedding light on the stories that often go unheard and highlighting the dynamism of the continent. My passion for journalism is driven by a desire to inform, educate, and impact readers.
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Joe Delaney
October 3, 2025 AT 02:05Guardianships are tricky when health is involved.