Entertainment

Wendy Williams breaks silence on dementia, aphasia diagnosis

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Wendy Williams has broken her silence after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia.

“I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming,” Williams, 59, told People on Friday.

“The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion,” she continued. “I hope that others with FTD may benefit from my story. I want to also thank the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their kind words of support and their extraordinary efforts to raise awareness of FTD.”

“I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated,” the TV and radio personality signed off.

“Where is Wendy Williams?” premieres Saturday on Lifetime. Lifetime
Wendy Williams attends SiriusXM Town Hall with Wendy Williams hosted by SiriusXM host Karen Hunter at SiriusXM Studios on July 23, 2019. Getty Images for SiriusXM

The Post has contacted reps for Williams for comment.

Williams’ statement comes ahead of the release of her two-part Lifetime documentary, “Where is Wendy Williams?” which drops on Saturday and Sunday.

Since May 2022, Williams has lived under a court-appointed legal guardian — whose identity remains private — who oversees both her finances and her health. Her family claims her legal guardian is the only person with unlimited access to the media mogul, and have questioned if their decisions have been in Williams’ best interest.

On Thursday, Williams’ “care team” revealed in a statement that she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, which are the same two medical conditions “Die Hard” star Bruce Willis, 68, is battling.

Wendy Williams attends Wendy Digital Event at Atlanta Tech Village Rooftop on August 29, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia. Getty Images

“On behalf of Wendy Williams Hunter, her care team is sharing this very personal update with her cherished fans, friends and supporters to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health,” the statement read.

It continued, “In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with
primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) … [they] have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”

The statement also claimed that Williams is “still able to do many things for herself” and that “she maintains her trademark sense of humor” while “receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed.”

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