Wendy Williams, the former host of a popular daytime talk show, publicly stated "I want out!" during a rare outing in New York City. This marks her first known public appearance since February and comes amid an ongoing legal battle concerning her court-ordered guardianship.
Williams, 62, was seen walking through the city accompanied by a male companion. When asked by reporters what she wanted to convey to fans about her situation, she responded with the direct plea. She was seen wearing a casual outfit, including a black T-shirt, denim shorts, and black boots, carrying a red handbag.
The public statement occurs amidst years of scrutiny regarding Williams' health and personal life, which led to her being placed under guardianship in 2022. Her daytime talk show concluded that same year after a 13-season run, and she has since maintained a low public profile.
In February 2024, Williams' team announced she had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023. Her team stated at the time that these conditions, affecting language, communication, behavior, and cognitive functions, had presented significant challenges. Prior to this official announcement, public speculation had circulated for years about changes in her behavior and speech, with her team noting difficulties in processing information, word-finding, and understanding financial transactions.
However, Williams has reportedly disputed the dementia diagnosis. Her attorney, Joe Tacopina, stated in December 2025 that a New York City neurologist, Dr. Samuel E. Gandy, determined she does not have frontotemporal dementia after an evaluation. Tacopina also raised the possibility that alcohol addiction may have contributed to her health struggles, suggesting she may have been suffering from alcohol-induced dementia and requiring alcohol rehabilitation.
Williams' struggles with alcohol addiction were previously highlighted in the Lifetime documentary series "Where Is Wendy Williams?" The series explored her life away from television. Following the announcement of her diagnosis in 2024, Williams expressed gratitude for the support she received, stating her hope that her story could benefit others with FTD.