Wendy Williams News: Wendy Williams’ Publicist Denounces Documentary, Alleging Exploitation of TV Star.

Wendy Williams News- Publicist strongly criticizes the documentary, claiming it ‘exploits’ the television star.

Wendy Williams, the ex-host of a popular daytime talk show, has become the central figure in a gripping documentary that has sparked controversy among critics who deem it exploitative.

The recently released two-part docuseries titled “Where Is Wendy Williams” sheds light on the former host’s apparent disorientation, as she is seen struggling to recognize her own manager in one particular clip. Additionally, the documentary captures a confrontation between Wendy and her manager, who discovers empty liquor bottles scattered throughout her apartment.

Shawn Zanotti, one of the individuals featured in the docuseries, expressed strong disapproval towards the producers during an exclusive interview with media.

Zanotti expressed her concerns about the exploitation of Williams, whom she started representing as a publicist in 2021. She emphasized that Williams did not anticipate the focus on her career comeback and would not approve of being portrayed in such a manner.

Zanotti revealed that the project was initially proposed to her by Creature Films and eOne Television in 2022, the same production company responsible for another documentary about Williams titled “Wendy Williams: What a Mess!” Despite Williams’ initial enthusiasm for the documentary, Zanotti claimed that the final product did not align with the original agreement.

According to Zanotti, the documentary failed to showcase the positive aspects of Williams’ life and career, contrary to what was promised. She also mentioned that Williams’ management team announced her diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia just a day before the documentary aired. Despite not having spoken to Williams since she entered a treatment facility in April, Zanotti confirmed that she remains employed as her publicist.

During an interview with TODAY.com, the filmmakers revealed that they were unaware of Williams’ diagnosis while filming. However, they acknowledged that her behavior varied from day to day, stating, “Some days, Wendy was fully engaged and herself. Other days, she seemed different.”

Despite this, the filmmakers decided to proceed with the project because they believed it was an important and sensitive story to tell. Showrunner Erica Hanson emphasized that they felt a great responsibility to handle the subject matter with dignity and sensitivity.

However, Zanotti, who is skeptical of their intentions, disagrees. She believes that the filmmakers would not have been deterred by the diagnosis and suggests that they intentionally manipulated certain moments to fit their narrative. Zanotti perceives the documentary as more of a reality show focused on Williams’ downfall rather than a genuine portrayal of her life.

Despite Zanotti’s concerns, the producers and Lifetime have not provided any further comments on the matter.

Zanotti claims that she expressed her reservations about the documentary to Williams’ guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, during production. She made it clear that she disagreed with the direction the project was taking. Zanotti asserts that the production company was aware of her concerns but chose to ignore her instead of addressing them. As a result, she never heard from them again.

Morrissey, the guardian, has not responded to requests for comment.

Following the announcement of Williams’ dementia diagnosis, Morrissey initiated a lawsuit to halt the series from airing, which was later dismissed by a judge invoking the First Amendment.

Mark Ford, the executive producer of the docuseries, stated to TODAY.com that all necessary parties, including Wendy’s guardian, manager, and legal team, were fully informed and approved of the content being filmed.

On the other hand, Zanotti expressed her belief that the series was more focused on sensationalism for profit and ratings rather than portraying Williams in a positive light.

Zanotti also mentioned feeling misrepresented in the series, particularly objecting to a scene where Williams criticizes her on the couch.

Despite the negative portrayal, Zanotti emphasized that there were also beautiful moments between them that were not shown in the series.

Concerns about Williams’ health arose after she collapsed on live television in 2017.

Williams, known for hosting “The Wendy Williams Show” from 2008 to 2021, had been candid about her battles with addiction.

In 2019, she disclosed to viewers that she was residing in a sober living facility following treatment for substance abuse. Later, she disclosed her absence was due to Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition.

Media reported that Williams was absent from her show in 2021 and 2022 due to health issues, with Sherri Shepherd temporarily taking over before the show’s cancellation.

During Williams’ hiatus, Wells Fargo sought a financial guardianship for her, alleging she was incapacitated and a victim of financial exploitation, claims Williams refuted.

Since then, Williams has maintained a low profile, with Zanotti expressing that the series does not reflect how she would like fans to remember her.

Zanotti expressed, “The project she agreed to is not the same as what we have now. My current concern is understanding the true situation. Who genuinely has her best interests in mind?”