On Saturday, the first part of the new two-part documentary about talk show host Wendy Williams aired on Lifetime. The documentary, titled “Where Is Wendy Williams?” delved into the star’s personal and professional life, sharing intimate details about her struggles with mental and physical health. However, the documentary has sparked outrage among fans, who are claiming that Lifetime is “profiting” off of Wendy’s decline.
The first part of the documentary showed footage of Wendy experiencing a “manic episode” while dealing with anxiety over a blu e-cigarette pen. Fans were appalled by the scene, with many expressing concern for Wendy’s health and criticizing Lifetime for including such intimate footage. Some fans also expressed anger towards the people surrounding Wendy, saying they should be more concerned for her well-being.
The controversy over the documentary continued on social media, with many questioning why Lifetime would choose to air such personal and often distressing scenes of Wendy.
In one episode, Wendy’s eyes were visibly bulging, which many attributed to her ongoing struggle with Graves Disease. Fans expressed disgust at the network for focusing on this physical disability, claiming that Wendy would not want to be portrayed this way.
Another distressing moment in the documentary was when cameras continued to roll when Wendy was not fully dressed or ready to film. Fans were appalled at the lack of respect for Wendy’s privacy and her struggle with body image after her Graves Disease diagnosis. Some fans expressed that this footage should have never been aired and that Wendy would not have wanted it to be shown.
Fans also raised concerns about her mental health. Many pointed out that Wendy’s recently revealed diagnoses of frontaltemporal dementia and aphasia should have been taken into account when deciding whether to air the documentary. Some fans argued that it was exploitative to include footage of Wendy experiencing a “manic episode.”
Despite the controversy, the documentary did provide some insight into Wendy’s current state. In an emotional moment, Wendy sat in a pink chair wearing Chanel and discussed her struggle with lymphedema, showing her feet and tearfully describing the lack of a cure. She also spoke about her manager, Will Selby, calling him her “sexy best friend for life” and breaking down in tears, begging for a hug.
Just after filming for the documentary wrapped up, Wendy checked herself into a rehab facility in Malibu, California. A press release later revealed that she had been diagnosed with frontaltemporal dementia and aphasia, conditions that affect brain function. The news shocked and saddened fans, with many expressing support and concern for the talk show host.
The controversy surrounding “Where Is Wendy Williams?” has sparked a larger conversation about the ethics of sharing personal struggles on reality TV.
Many fans have called for more sensitivity towards individuals who are dealing with mental and physical health issues and have criticized Lifetime for their decision to air such intimate footage. As the second part of the documentary airs tonight, it remains to be seen whether the network will address the backlash and make any changes.