Days after publicly sharing her dementia diagnosis, former talk show icon Wendy Williams thanked her fans for their “overwhelming” compassion.
Williams made the remarks ahead of a Lifetime documentary chronicling her health battles.
“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 released to The Associated Press through a representative for her care team. “The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”
The statement came shortly after a New York judge ruled that the forthcoming film “Where Is Wendy Williams?” will air as scheduled this weekend on Lifetime. Williams’ guardian had sued to block the documentary, alleging exploitation. However, the judge cited the First Amendment.
“I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive,” Williams added. “Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.”
Frontotemporal dementia involves shrinking of brain regions affecting behavior and speech. Primary progressive aphasia also gradually limits language abilities in patients. Like Williams, actor Bruce Willis also suffers from that condition.
Sources cited by AP suggest Williams entered specialized care in 2023 as cognitive problems worsened. Her public struggles followed Graves’ disease and alcohol use reportedly impacting the star’s functioning.
With her eponymous talk show ending in 2022, the revelation spotlights the human story behind fame’s facade for the once unstoppable host. Exact details remain disputed as Williams avoids the limelight she long commanded.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.