Former daytime television phenomenon Wendy Williams underwent a psychiatric evaluation at Lenox Hill Hospital March 10, claiming she passed with “flying colors” as she continues to challenge her court-ordered guardianship.
On March 11, Williams, 60, surprised Good Day New York by calling to update the publication on her condition and ongoing legal battle.
Williams, who has been under the guardianship of Sabrina Morrissey since 2022, was hospitalized following concerns about her well-being. During the call with “Good Day New York” host Rosanna Scotto, Williams asserted that she sought an independent evaluation to prove her mental capacity.
“I want [to be] independently tested. That’s what I want, and that’s what I got,” Williams said, clarifying that she scored a perfect 10 out of 10 on a “capacity test” administered by a psychiatrist.
Sources familiar with the situation confirmed to TMZ that the evaluation was not intended to dispute her prior diagnoses of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia but rather to assess her current cognitive abilities. The results will be presented to the judge overseeing her guardianship.
Scotto questioned Williams about her trust in the court and willingness to accept a sober companion or financial consultant if she was released from guardianship. Williams stated she does not require a sober companion and expressed interest in a financial advisor, noting that her guardian currently manages her finances.
“As far as a sober companion, I don’t need that. I am not drinking, ever in my life. A financial advisor? Of course, of course, a financial advisor, somebody to look after my money… Because the money that I have right now is all with my guardian person,” she said.
When asked if her guardian was taking monthly fees, Williams declined to answer on air, stating, “I’ll talk to you behind the scenes for that.”
Williams, who has been residing in an assisted living facility, described her living situation as restrictive, comparing it to a “memory unit” where she has limited privileges and movement. She expressed frustration with needing permission to access the facility’s gym.
“This is a floor, you know, you don’t remember anything. Like really? And as far as me being able to go outside, I’m not allowed. You know, I have to stay in this building,” she said.
Williams’ caretaker, Gina Monterroso, joined the call and confirmed that the independent test results would be presented to the judge. “Absolutely, these are independent results from a very well-known hospital. It’s independent. It’s factual,” Monterroso said.
The media maven’s niece, Alex Finnie, has reportedly been interviewed by New York’s Adult Protective Services (APS) as part of an investigation into Williams’ guardianship and living conditions. Williams herself has also spoken with APS, and the NYPD is reportedly continuing its investigation.
The sexagenarian is scheduled to make her first national television appearance since her dementia diagnosis on “The View” March 14, via phone interview.
Williams’ efforts to regain control of her life and finances come after months of public concern about her well-being. She has consistently denied experiencing memory impairment and is actively seeking to terminate her guardianship.
Auntie Magazine named Williams its Auntie of the Year for 2024, citing her ‘unfiltered wisdom, resilience, and heart.’ The publication recognized her ‘unapologetically authentic’ career and its impact on the media industry.
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