Raw and Revealing: Inside the Controversial Wendy Williams Documentary
In a shocking and emotional four-plus hour documentary titled “Where is Wendy Williams?”, the raw and devastating reality of the former talk show host’s life is exposed. The documentary, which aired on Lifetime over two nights, delves into Williams’ struggles with alcohol, her desire for family and her former TV platform, and her battle with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
The documentary, produced by Mark Ford and executive produced by Williams herself, her son Kevin Hunter Jr., and her jeweler-turned-manager William Selby, raises more questions than it answers. One of the biggest mysteries explored in the film is why a court-ordered guardian has largely cut Williams off from her family. While the producers of the documentary remain unsure about the reasons behind the guardianship, a press release sent out ahead of the documentary revealed that Williams had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
However, just two days before the documentary was set to air, Williams’ guardian filed a lawsuit to block the network from airing it. The request was dismissed by a judge, citing First Amendment rights. Despite this legal battle, the documentary aired as planned, with Selby and key members of Williams’ family screening it beforehand. Williams herself, who is reportedly in an undisclosed facility receiving treatment for her cognitive issues, has yet to see the documentary.
The journey to completing the documentary was filled with challenges and uncertainties. It initially began as a conversation between Selby and Pat Lambert, the head of development at eOne and Creature Films. The original plan was to document Williams’ journey back into her career through a podcast. However, as filming progressed, it became evident that there was something deeper and more disturbing going on in Williams’ life.
There were concerns about whether Williams was ready for this documentary. The filmmakers questioned her readiness and observed her struggles with alcohol and coherence. However, they also witnessed moments of sobriety and plans for the podcast. It was later revealed that Williams’ dementia was affecting her ability to continue with her career.
Lifetime, which has had a long-standing relationship with Williams, got involved in the project early on. Brie Miranda Bryant, an executive at Lifetime, expressed her admiration for Williams and her desire to work with her. The documentary was not part of Williams’ previous development deal with Lifetime.
Throughout the filming process, the filmmakers faced difficult decisions about what to include and when to stop filming. They were aware of the sensitive and complex nature of Williams’ situation and aimed to depict it respectfully. There were moments when filming had to be halted due to the emotional state of Williams or the inappropriate nature of the situation. The filmmakers were constantly questioning whether the documentary was serving Williams’ story and helping her move forward.
The documentary also sheds light on the controversial topic of guardianships. Williams’ family is vocal about their frustration with the guardianship and their lack of involvement in her care. The filmmakers believe that the film serves as a cautionary tale and raises awareness about the flaws in the guardianship system.
The documentary features interviews with members of Williams’ family, including her son and niece, who gradually built trust with the filmmakers. However, some key figures, such as the producers of the Wendy Williams Show and the guardian herself, declined to participate.
Despite the legal challenges and controversies surrounding the documentary, the filmmakers stand by their decision to tell Williams’ story. They emphasize their commitment to showing the truth, even when it is painful to watch. They hope that the documentary will not only shed light on Williams’ struggles but also serve as a universal message for other families facing similar situations.
As for Williams’ current whereabouts, the filmmakers are uncertain. They last spoke to her in April when filming concluded, and since then, she has been in a facility receiving treatment. The documentary ends with the hope that Williams is in a better place and that her story will bring attention to the issues surrounding guardianships.
In conclusion, “Where is Wendy Williams?” is a raw and revealing documentary that exposes the challenges and complexities of the former talk show host’s life. It raises important questions about guardianships and serves as a cautionary tale for other families. Despite the controversies surrounding its release, the documentary aims to shed light on Williams’ struggles and offer hope for a better future.