Let’s not get it twisted: Wendy Williams is a trailblazer.

Before the podcasts, before the YouTubers, before everyone had a ring light and an opinion—Wendy was the blueprint. A bold Black woman from New Jersey (just like me) who took up space, said the quiet parts out loud, and made a whole career out of not playing nice. From dominating urban radio to becoming the undisputed Queen of Daytime TV, she built a media empire off honesty, edge, and fearlessness—traits often celebrated in men but punished in women, especially Black women.

She gave voice to the mess, the magic, and the madness of celebrity culture long before it was cool. And whether you loved her or hated her takes, you couldn’t deny her talent or work ethic. She opened doors for Black women in media—period.

But fast-forward to today, and that same woman who made history is now under a guardianship, stripped of her rights, her voice, and even access to her own family. How did we get here?

We know Wendy battled addiction. She’s been public about her struggles with alcoholism, which likely led to alcohol-related dementia—a condition that can cause memory loss, confusion, and poor decision-making. But here’s the thing: that type of dementia is often treatable, and unlike degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, improvement is possible when the person stops drinking, gets medical care, and has a strong support system. And that’s exactly what her family says she’s done.

In the Lifetime docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?”, we saw a woman hurting, yes—but we also saw a woman trying. Trying to be heard. Trying to reconnect. Trying to live.

Her team announced she’s now in a wellness facility receiving treatment for both alcohol-related health issues and aphasia. Her family says she’s sober, improving, and not the same person she was when the conservatorship was first put in place.

So the question becomes: Why is she still under legal lock and key?
Why are her finances, her decisions, and her entire future still in the hands of people she didn’t choose?

We’ve seen this play out before. Britney. Amanda. And every time, we’re forced to confront how guardianships—meant to protect—can easily become tools to control, silence, and profit off vulnerable people. Especially women. Especially Black women.

Let’s be clear: a guardianship shouldn’t be a life sentence. And recovery shouldn’t be punished.

If Wendy is now sober, coherent, and fighting for her independence, she deserves the chance to get it. She's done the work. She’s put in the time. She built her name, her wealth, and her legacy—and she deserves a seat at the table when it comes to how her story ends.

Wendy Williams is more than a headline or a diagnosis. She’s a media pioneer. A Jersey girl. A mother. A survivor.

And it's time we treated her like it.