CNN
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Former discuss present host Wendy Williams has been recognized with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, in line with representatives for Williams.
The information was shared in a press launch on Thursday to “right inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her well being,” a care staff for Williams wrote in a press release.
“As Wendy’s followers are conscious, up to now she has been open with the general public about her medical struggles with Graves’ Illness and Lymphedema in addition to different vital challenges associated to her well being,” the press launch states. “Over the previous few years, questions have been raised at occasions about Wendy’s skill to course of info and plenty of have speculated about Wendy’s situation, significantly when she started to lose phrases, act erratically at occasions, and have problem understanding monetary transactions.”
Williams acquired her aphasia and dementia diagnoses in 2023 from Weill Cornell Drugs, in line with her representatives.
The situation impacts communication, persona and the power to grasp language, in line with the Mayo Clinic.
“The choice to share this information was troublesome and made after cautious consideration, not solely to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, however to boost consciousness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.”
CNN has contacted Williams’ care staff for additional remark.
Williams is presently underneath a court-ordered guardianship. A Lifetime documentary about and produced by Williams with the participation of her household is ready to launch this weekend.
CNN has reached out to Williams’ household and Lifetime for remark.
Williams was the host of her eponymous “The Wendy Williams Present” till 2022, when Sherri Shepherd took over her time slot. Previous to the present’s finish, Williams had been absent from internet hosting duties for the reason that premiere of the thirteenth season, which ended up being its final. On the time, the present attributed her absence to Williams’ restoration from Covid-19 and later mentioned she was battling Graves’ illness, an autoimmune dysfunction.
“The Wendy Williams Present” was created by Williams and debuted in 2008 from studios in New York Metropolis. She began her career in radio and developed a status for her fast wit and no-filter interviews. She was identified for her candor, which additionally ruffled just a few feathers amongst these in leisure alongside the best way.
Williams usually prided herself on being candid together with her viewers as nicely. She has been open about her earlier battle with habit. In 2019, she spoke on the present about dwelling in a sober home after in search of therapy for drug use. She filed for divorce from her husband, Kevin Hunter, the identical yr.