Wendy Williams’ Demetia Diagnosis Reversal Reflects Hollywood’s Autonomy Issues
Talk show host Wendy Williams gets her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Oct. 17, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)
Wendy Williams’ recent reversal of her dementia diagnosis have drawn close attention to three years of close conservatorship over her, which may now be nearing an end.
Alarms were set off when Williams’ bank, Wells Fargo, paused her accounts due to seeing unusual activity, ultimately leading to Williams being diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. A New York court deemed her unable to handle her finances and placed her in the guardianship of her family.
Historically, conservatorships and guardianships have impacted the lives of various celebrities. These include Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, and Lindsay Lohan, all of whom have experienced situations similar to Williams. These cases can include family, medical, and money control by conservators.
Spears had a long-running issue from Feb. 2008 to Aug. 2021. She shaved her head, attacked paparazzi, and locked herself in a room, refusing to hand over custody of her kid to her ex.
Her father, Jaime Spears, went from temporary to permanent conservator. Spears’ legal team opposed this and hired lawyer Matthew Rosengart.
Then, finally, in Nov. 2021, Judge Brenda Penny ended the conservatorship.
Before Jackson died in 2009, his team realized they could exploit his fame for more money. For Jackson’s final tour, he agreed to do ten shows total.
His team encouraged him to do more despite knowing Jackson was exhausted and had worsening health. He ended up in the hospital, where the doctor Conrad Murray gave him a heavy drug to help his health.
As an unfortunate result, Jackson died. His mother, Katherine Jackson, and his kids sued concert promoter AEG Live for hiring and observing Murray. The family lost the case, but they filed to handle Jackson’s estate.
Lawyer Gerald Cohen claimed the estate was hers. The case went to court, and Jackson’s mother and children won. His mother won custody of his estate.
Finally, Lohan. She was in hot water after being sentenced to prison and rehab for drug possession and use. Her father, Michael Lohan, felt it was best for her to be in a conservatorship due to her worsening drug problem.
He wanted the conservator to be his ex-wife Dina Lohan, and the family filed for control of her assets, but the request was denied, leaving Lohan “free.”
As Spears, Jackson, and Lohan had, Williams is making strides in regaining control of her life. It remains uncertain whether this change in her diagnosis will lead to the end of her guardianship, but fans are hopeful for that outcome as well.
