A shocking revelation has emerged from Wendy Williams, the renowned talk show host, who has bravely shared her experiences in an assisted living facility. Despite the luxurious amenities and high-end surroundings, Williams describes her current living situation as a 'dump'. This statement has sparked controversy and raised questions about the nature of her guardianship and the quality of care she receives.
Williams, who has been residing at Coterie, an exclusive assisted living facility in Hudson Yards, New York City, has granted a rare phone interview to The Cut, shedding light on her daily life. The memory care floor, where she resides, is reportedly locked, and Williams requires permission from both the facility and her guardian to leave. Her friend, Max Tucci, owner of the upscale restaurant Tucci, revealed that Williams has expressed her dissatisfaction with the establishment.
'This is where billionaires send their grandmothers, but Wendy doesn't need it,' Tucci shared, emphasizing Williams' independence and honesty. During her interview, Williams questioned the presence of elderly residents, stating, 'Why do I want to look at that? I've asked to be moved from this floor numerous times.'
The former talk show host was placed under court-appointed guardianship in 2022 after being diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2024. Despite these diagnoses, Williams continues to deny having dementia.
The Cut described Coterie's lobby as an elegant space with fresh lilies and marble floors, featuring a stunning crystal chandelier. The facility offers a range of amenities, including a 24/7 nursing staff, a private movie theater, a snack bar, a spa, and a hair salon. However, Williams' experience seems to contrast with this luxurious portrayal.
Williams initially stayed on the facility's third floor, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 35th Street. The bathrooms are marble with heated flooring and assistance bars. However, a friend claimed that Williams' birthday celebration at the facility's penthouse restaurant and bar resulted in her subsequent move to the memory care unit.
In her memory care studio suite, Williams is allowed to have an iPad, which she uses to listen to her old radio show and stay informed about her own news. The Cut's description of the memory care unit paints a bleak picture, with the floor smelling of Febreze, no locks on apartment doors, and no stoves or refrigerators for resident safety. Despite this, Williams was spotted working out in the gym, looking good in her usual attire.
The Cut also reported on a bombshell lawsuit filed by Williams' ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, in June. Hunter alleged that Williams is competent and that the judge handling the case is 'crooked'. He called the guardianship 'fraudulent bondage' and demanded that Williams' guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, be fired. Notably, Hunter had been receiving $37,500 per month in alimony from Williams for years, but this stopped shortly before the guardianship proceedings began. The lawsuit sought $250 million in damages to be split between Hunter and Williams.
On October 9, TMZ reported that a judge ruled to dismiss Hunter's lawsuit, but he may have the opportunity to refile an amended complaint on his own behalf. Williams' son, Kevin Jr., shared his desire to stay clear of the drama, stating, 'I just want her to get out of this. It's not right.'
The upcoming weeks and months may bring a new medical report, which could impact the guardianship. The judge has several options, including reaffirming the guardianship, easing restrictions, replacing Morrissey as guardian, or removing the guardianship altogether. Sources indicate that removing the guardianship is unlikely.
This story highlights the complex and controversial nature of guardianship and assisted living, leaving us with thought-provoking questions: Is Williams' experience representative of the care provided at such facilities? Should there be more transparency and oversight in these situations? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments!
