Wendy Williams’ niece Alex Finnie was a guest on “The View” on Thursday (February 22) where she opened up about the “complicated” reasons why the former talk show host wanted to document her struggles in the forthcoming Lifetime documentary.
Alex Finnie On Why Wendy Williams Wanted To Do The Documentary
While speaking with the ladies of “The View,” Alex Finnie explained:
It’s complicated and it’s so layered…it was hard at first as a family member to grasp, ‘Oh, Wendy why do want to do this?’
You know, you have clearly some health issues that need to be addressed a long road ahead of you.
And she was adamant that she wanted to control the narrative of her story.
One thing we know about my aunt, she has never shied away from saying it like she means it, as we know.
And despite conversations I’d had with her this is what she wanted to do.
And we saw it all play out publicly in the blogs and everywhere and her ultimate decision was that, ‘Everybody’s telling my story, no matter how painful it is, I want to tell it.’
And so, it went from there.
‘This Is More Than We Realized’
When asked about Wendy Williams’ struggles with cognitive issues, Alex Finnie delicately explained:
There’s more happening.
I would love it if my aunt could be here today to tell her story.
But, unfortunately, she’s not.
So, I’m doing the best I can.
But, yes, as a family we know that there’s more there.
People are going to see that throughout the documentary.
I think people are going to walk away saying, ‘This is more than what we realized’…in terms of what we’ve read.
Whether it’s things we might have seen on her show throughout the years that seems a little off.
You’re going to walk away with that and say, ‘What is really going on here with her medically?’
Watch Alex Finnie’s full interview below.
Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Aphasia & Dementia
On Thursday, Wendy Williams’ team released a statement announcing the former talk show host and radio icon had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
Below, you’ll find the official statement released by Wendy’s team on Thursday, February 22, announcing her diagnosis.
On behalf of Wendy Williams Hunter, her care team is sharing this very personal update with her cherished fans, friends, and supporters to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health.
As Wendy’s fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health.
Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.
In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.
Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.
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.
Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.
There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support, and care they deserve and need.
Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed.
She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.
‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’ Documentary
For nearly two years, cameras followed former television host and radio star Wendy Williams as she navigated the next phase of her life after the conclusion of her iconic talk show.
This documentary offers a candid, unfiltered glimpse into Wendy’s reality following her placement under financial guardianship, shedding light on the vulnerabilities that have made her a subject of discussion.
Documenting her struggles with mental and physical health, the cameras captured Wendy’s delicate state of mind, erratic behavior, and declining well-being.
“Where is Wendy Williams?” chronicles Wendy’s journey to revive her career and unveils the discoveries made by filmmakers along the way.
Yet, many questions linger—whose interests truly align with Wendy’s well-being?
Has she regained her health? And where, indeed, is Wendy Williams now?
“Where Is Wendy Williams?” premieres on Saturday, February 24 at 8p/7c on Lifetime.
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