[ad_1]
cnn
—
Former talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, according to Williams representatives.
The news was shared in a news release Thursday to “correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health,” a care team for Williams wrote in a statement.
“As Wendy’s fans know, she has been open with the public in the past about her medical struggles with Graves’ disease and lymphedema, as well as other significant challenges related to her health,” the press release states. “In recent years, questions have sometimes been raised about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding words. financial transactions”.
Williams received his diagnosis of aphasia and dementia in 2023 from Weill Cornell Medicine, according to his representatives.
The condition affects communication, personality and the ability to understand language, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“The decision to share this news was a difficult one and was made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but also to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.”
CNN has reached out to Williams’ care team for further comment.
Williams is currently under a court-ordered conservatorship. A Lifetime documentary produced by Williams featuring her family will premiere this weekend.
CNN has reached out to Williams’ family and Lifetime for comment.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Wendy Williams in 2018.
Williams was the host of her namesake “The Wendy Williams Show” until 2022, when Sherri Shepherd took over her schedule. Prior to the show’s finale, Williams had been absent from her hosting duties since the season 13 premiere, which ended up being her last. At the time, the show attributed her absence to Williams’ recovery from Covid-19 and later said she was battling Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder.
“The Wendy Williams Show” was created by Williams and debuted in 2008 at studios in New York City. She started her career on the radio and developed a reputation for his quick wit and unfiltered interviews. She was known for her outspokenness, which also ruffled some feathers among those in entertainment along the way.
Williams also often prided herself on being honest with her viewers. She has been open about her previous struggle with addiction. In 2019, she spoke on the show about living in a sober house after seeking drug treatment. She filed for divorce from her husband, Kevin Hunter, the same year.