The former talk show host was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia
Wendy Williams thanked fans for their support following Thursday’s announcement that she had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, publicly addressing the news for the first time.
“I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming,” Williams said in a statement to The Associated Press. “The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”
Her message arrives a day after her care team shared the diagnosis, which was given to Williams last year. He team said the “decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances.”
Williams’ guardian filed a lawsuit against A&E Networks on Thursday, potentially seeking to block the premiere of the new Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams? — a two-part film set to air this weekend, Feb 24 and 25. The doc will explore the past few years of the media personality’s life as her health declined and she was ultimately placed under court-ordered guardianship in 2022. The suit named both A&E Networks and Entertainment One Reality Productions as defendants.
In a statement shared with People, the network said, “Lifetime appeared in court today, and the documentary Where Is Wendy Williams? will air this weekend as planned.”