Exclusive Interview: Wendy Williams’ Niece Opens Up About Her Aunt’s Private Life Ahead of Upcoming Documentary
Wendy Williams, the iconic host of “The Wendy Williams Show,” has captivated audiences for years with her witty commentary and no-holds-barred approach to celebrity gossip. But behind the scenes, Williams has been battling her own demons, and now, her niece, Alex Finnie, is shedding light on the private life of her famous aunt.
In an exclusive interview with “Good Morning America,” Finnie spoke candidly about the upcoming Lifetime documentary, “Where is Wendy Williams?” The documentary promises to provide a raw and unfiltered look into Williams’ life after she was placed under financial guardianship. For Finnie, watching the documentary was an emotional experience.
“I said I wasn’t gonna cry — because I feel like I’ve cried enough over the last year and a half,” Finnie shared. “But what people are gonna see is a broken woman who has had the world on her shoulders for so long– and just cracked.”
Finnie, who spent two years filming the documentary alongside her aunt, witnessed some of Williams’ lowest moments. From excessive drinking to moments of incoherence, Finnie saw it all. But she wants viewers to understand that this documentary is not about exploitation; it’s about Williams taking ownership of her own story.
“My aunt is the executive producer of this documentary,” Finnie emphasized. “She wants to take ownership of her story.”
Williams’ journey to this point has been tumultuous. It all began on Halloween of 2017 when she collapsed on her show, leaving fans concerned about her health. Over the next few years, Williams faced a messy divorce, battled alcohol and substance abuse, and struggled with her health due to Graves’ disease and a thyroid condition.
The cancellation of “The Wendy Williams Show” in February 2022 marked the end of an era. But Williams wasn’t ready to give up. She invited a camera crew into her home, hoping to reveal a career reboot. However, the footage also showed alcohol bottles scattered around her house, raising questions about her relationship with alcohol.
Finnie addressed these concerns, saying, “My aunt has had some unhealthy habits when it’s come to alcohol, certainly in recent years.” However, she refrained from categorizing Williams as an alcoholic, as she is not a medical professional.
In addition to her personal struggles, Williams found herself in a legal battle with Wells Fargo Bank, which froze her accounts for two months. The bank claimed that Williams was a victim of undue influence and financial exploitation. Williams vehemently denied these claims, stating that people will say anything to gain control of their accounts.
The documentary also delves into the strained relationship between Williams and her family. After the court’s decision to appoint a guardian to manage her finances and life, Williams’ family claims they have had limited access to her. Finnie revealed that her family was “shut out” by the State of New York, preventing them from providing assistance to Williams.
Despite the challenges, Finnie hopes that the documentary will ultimately benefit her aunt. “The only person that comes out of this victorious, I hope, is my aunt,” she expressed.
Looking ahead, Finnie shared that Williams still has a desire to resume her career. “My hope for her is that she does whatever she wants to do that makes her happy and keeps her healthy,” Finnie said.
“Where is Wendy Williams?” promises to be a gripping exploration of the highs and lows of Williams’ life. It aims to tell the story of her journey to resurrect her career and the obstacles she has faced along the way. Viewers can expect a raw and honest portrayal of a woman who has captivated audiences for years but now finds herself at a crossroads.
The documentary is set to premiere on February 24 and 25 on Lifetime. It is a must-watch for fans of Wendy Williams and anyone interested in the complexities of fame and personal struggles. Prepare to be captivated by the story of a woman who has entertained millions but now seeks to reclaim her own narrative.
