Wendy Williams says her living conditions are “suffocating.” Her statement has drawn attention to the challenges faced by many Americans currently under some form of guardianship.
The former talk show host, 60, has been living in an assisted living facility under a court-appointed guardianship since May 2022, and she made the remark while opening up about her desire to leave both the facility and her legal guardianship. Guardianship arrangements affect thousands of celebrities and private citizens alike, often raising complex questions about autonomy and care.
“Well, I don’t have the freedom to do virtually anything. As far as where I am, I’m on the fifth floor. They call it ‘the memory unit,’ so it’s for people who don’t remember anything,” Wendy said speaking on NewsNation’s Banfield. Memory care units house individuals with varying degrees of cognitive impairment across the country.
She continued: “I’ve met the people who live here and I’ve been here for almost a year now, and this is very suffocating.” Studies show that feelings of confinement can significantly impact mental health, with isolation potentially affecting those in care facilities.
“It’s the memory unit, you know what I mean? Why am I here?” Wendy added many of the other residents require extensive medical care. Her questioning reflects a common concern among those placed in specialized care facilities who feel their level of need doesn’t match the environment.
“I have no idea, but I can tell you that it’s $18,000 a month, which is extremely expensive. And what do I have? I have a bedroom, and a bathroom and a window.” The high cost she mentions highlights the financial burden of specialized care facilities in the United States.
Wendy has repeatedly spoken about her wish to leave the facility. Her public statements have sparked debate among healthcare professionals about balancing patient autonomy with necessary care requirements.
“I am not cognitively impaired, but I feel like I am in prison. I’m in this place with people who are in their 90s and their 80s and their 70s … there’s something wrong with these people here on this floor. I am clearly not,” she told “The Breakfast Club” in January. Advocates for guardianship reform point to testimonies like Williams’ as evidence of needed system improvements.
She also claimed she was only allowed outside twice in 30 days and alleged the facility where she is being kept administered medication to her without full explanation. Patient rights remain a critical issue in many care facilities nationwide.
“The elevators are locked, visitors are restricted. I’m ready to get out of here. I’m ready to get out and get out of the guardianship. It’s suffocating, it’s very lonely,” Wendy went on. Social isolation can contribute to worsening health outcomes, particularly for those with neurological conditions.
Wendy’s court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, has overseen the TV star’s finances and medical care since the guardianship was put in place. Court-appointed guardians manage assets and make decisions for those deemed unable to do so themselves.
In February 2024, Wendy‘s medical team disclosed she had been diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. These conditions affect many Americans, with frontotemporal dementia often impacting behavior and personality before memory.
Williams’ situation has drawn comparisons to other high-profile guardianship cases, including Britney Spears, whose conservatorship ended in 2021 after 13 years. Legal experts note that guardianship laws vary significantly by state, creating inconsistent protection and oversight mechanisms.
Healthcare ethicists continue to debate the balance between protection and autonomy in cases like Williams’, with many advocating for more graduated approaches to supported decision-making rather than full guardianship. Recent legislative efforts in several states aim to reform guardianship systems to provide more rights and protections for individuals under care.
Despite her diagnosis, Williams has maintained her characteristic outspokenness, using her platform to highlight concerns about her living situation. People with frontotemporal dementia often maintain awareness of their circumstances even as the condition progresses, potentially intensifying feelings of frustration.
Williams’ decades-long career in media, including her successful talk show that ran for 13 seasons, made her a familiar voice for millions of Americans, adding public interest to her current health challenges and living situation.
