A new documentary exploring Talk Show host, Wendy Williams’ struggles with alcoholism and dementia has revealed shocking allegations about her time in assisted living.
The special, Trapped: What Is Happening to Wendy Williams?, premiered on May 19 on the ID Channel. The one-hour feature focuses on the former talk show host’s life under guardianship and claims she was transferred to a more restrictive care unit following a relapse in July 2024.
Investigative journalist Diane Dimond alleged that while living on the third floor of her New York City assisted facility—where she had access to hallways and elevators—Wendy used the elevator on her birthday to visit the building’s rooftop bar.
“And on her birthday, she decided to get in the elevator and see where she could go,” Dimond said. “It went all the way up to the rooftop bar. She ordered a drink, and then another one, and another. Who knows how many—but she will admit to you that she got drunk. She had a relapse.”
Following this incident, Wendy was reportedly moved to the fifth floor, the memory care unit, which features tighter restrictions. There, she has a private room and is not permitted to leave the floor unless granted special permission by her guardian.
Wendy, 60, was placed under guardianship in 2022. In 2023, she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). During a March 2025 interview on The View, she confirmed she had celebrated her 60th birthday in July but claimed she is now sober.
“[My] relationship [with substances] is fine and is wonderful. I’ve had my devices and I have to tell you something: I am easily going on with my life, alcohol-free,” she stated.
Some medical professionals have speculated that Wendy may be suffering from alcohol-induced dementia rather than FTD. Brain disorder expert Daniel Amen said during the documentary, “Alcohol is one of the main causes of cognitive decline and dementia. In fact, I believe that alcoholic dementia is the second most common cause.”
In early 2025, Wendy’s guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, filed a request for a new medical evaluation. The filing emphasized the need for comprehensive neurological and psychological testing by a qualified specialist, stating, “The issue of whether [Williams] has the capacity to assess what is in her own best interests deserves renewed careful consideration by qualified experts.”
In March, Wendy was hospitalized after a welfare check initiated by her health care advocate, Ginalisa Monterroso. During a later appearance on Good Day New York, Wendy shared that she had “passed” the hospital evaluations “with flying colors.”
