Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Wendy Williams: Dementia Diagnosis Doesn't Shield Her from Deposition

A judge ruled on Monday, September 15, that Wendy Williams, 61, will have to sit for a deposition as part of a lawsuit her court-appointed guardian filed against A&E Television Networks last year, according to documents obtained by People; pictured Tuesday in NYC

WENDY WILLIAMS FORCED TO SIT FOR DEPOSITION DESPITE ALLEGED DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS

In a shocking turn of events, former daytime talk show host Wendy Williams is being ordered to undergo a deposition in an ongoing lawsuit against A&E Television Networks. This comes despite her recent diagnosis with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, which has left many wondering how she'll be able to participate in the proceedings.

According to documents obtained by The Scholarly Note.com, a judge ruled on September 15 that Williams must sit for a deposition on November 4 as part of the lawsuit filed by her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey. The suit alleges that A&E Television Networks exploited Williams in their documentary "Where is Wendy Williams," which aired earlier this year.

The proceedings will be a 'de bene esse' deposition, meaning that it is conducted in anticipation of future need, in case Williams health or memory should deteriorate following her diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in May 2023; Williams is pictured in the trailer for Where Is Wendy Williams?

The drama began when Wells Fargo froze Williams' accounts in 2022 due to concerns about her financial management. This led to a court-ordered legal guardianship being placed over both her finances and health. However, Morrissey claims that A&E Television Networks took advantage of Williams' vulnerable state by filming her in intimate moments without her consent.

The documentary sparked widespread backlash among fans, with many expressing outrage at the way Williams was portrayed. The network has maintained that they did nothing wrong and that there is no law against making a documentary about someone with dementia.

But Morrissey insists that Williams "did not have the capacity to consent" to being filmed for the documentary. In fact, she claims that producers misled Williams into thinking it would be a "positive and beneficial" project for her public image and reputation.

The judge reportedly ruled that Williams' 'condition does not insulate her from providing testimony in this case,' as there is no 'requirement of mental ability' for witnesses, meaning that there would be no barrier to Williams answering questions in a deposition; still from Where Is Wendy Williams

The lawsuit also alleges that A&E Television Networks engaged in "blatant exploitation" of Williams' medical condition. Morrissey's team has accused the network of prioritizing ratings over Williams' well-being, saying that they had no regard for her dignity or privacy.

A&E Television Networks has fired back with a countersuit, claiming that Morrissey is trying to infringe on their First Amendment rights. They argue that making a documentary about someone with dementia is perfectly acceptable and that Williams was not exploited in any way.

The deposition is expected to be a contentious process, given the sensitive nature of the case. The judge has ruled that Williams' condition does not exempt her from providing testimony, citing federal rules of evidence that do not require witnesses to be mentally able to testify.

In February 2024, Williams' court-appointed guardian filed suit against Lifetime's parent company A&E Television Networks, claiming it had exploited her with the filming of the documentary; pictured Tuesday at the LaQuan Smith fashion show for NYFW

However, the judge also acknowledged that Williams' health and memory may deteriorate as the case proceeds. To account for this, the deposition will be conducted in a "de bene esse" capacity, meaning it is held in anticipation of future need.

As the lawsuit continues to unfold, fans are left wondering what's next for Wendy Williams. Will she be able to participate in the deposition despite her diagnosis? And what secrets might come to light as the case goes on?

Despite her ongoing health struggles and legal battles, Williams has been spotted looking jubilant at recent fashion events, including a New York Fashion Week show. She was seen beaming ear to ear while wearing a furry black-and-white coat and beige fishnets.

Morrissey told the court that the talk show host 'did not have the capacity to consent,' according to the documents, and producers did not get Morrissey's consent, in her capacity as Williams' court-appointed guardian, to produce it; Williams is pictured Monday in NYC

But behind closed doors, it's clear that Williams is still navigating the complexities of her guardianship and ongoing medical issues. The court has ordered an extension on the stay of proceedings against A&E Television Networks to allow for a separate case challenging Williams' guardianship to be reviewed.

In this case, a judge will determine whether Williams still requires a guardian and whether Morrissey should remain in that role or be replaced. As the drama continues to unfold, fans can't help but wonder what's next for the beloved talk show host.

The court-ordered review of Williams' guardianship is expected to provide more clarity on her living situation and medical care. For now, it seems that Williams will have to continue navigating the complexities of her health and finances while also fighting for her rights in the courtroom.

The judge also extended a stay on legal proceedings against A&E while Williams' guardianship is reviewed; her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, is pictured

One thing's for sure: this drama is far from over. Stay tuned for further updates as the case continues to unfold!

Although Williams is reportedly still living in an $18,000-per-month assisted living facility, she has lately been allowed to make multiple public outings to mark New York Fashion Week

On Monday, she made a splash at NYFW's Bach Mai show, where she posed with the designer in a black minidress that was cinched around her waisted with a prominent Gucci belt