Wendy Williams Breaks Silence on Conservatorship: 'I Feel Like I’m in Prison'

WBLS, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wendy Williams, the iconic TV and radio personality, broke her silence in an emotional interview on "TheBreakfast Club," speaking candidly about the challenges she faces under a conservatorship that has controlled her life since 2023. Wendy described the arrangement as isolating and abusive, leaving her unable to make decisions about her own finances, health care, or daily life.

“I feel like I’m in prison,” Wendy said. “This is my life. My goddamn life.”

Wendy Williams spoke on The Breakfast Club this morning about her conservatorship: “I feel like I’m in prison” pic.twitter.com/vt9aoc91o3

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 16, 2025

During the interview, Wendy revealed that her guardian, Sabrina Morrisy, controls her phone, finances, and personal choices. She compared her living situation to a “luxury prison,” where she is confined to a small New York apartment and requires permission to leave or see visitors. Wendy’s niece, Alex, who appeared alongside her, described the situation as “guardianship abuse,” detailing how Wendy’s communication with family is restricted and her personal items, including her beloved cats, have been taken away.

“They’ve taken everything,” Wendy said. She also shared concerns about being prevented from attending her father’s upcoming 94th birthday celebration in Miami, a trip she said she has repeatedly requested.

The conservatorship was initially imposed amid claims that Wendy was cognitively impaired and unable to manage her affairs, allegations both Wendy and Alex refuted. “Does this sound like someone who’s incapacitated?” Alex asked, pointing to Wendy’s sharp and passionate remarks during the interview. Wendy also raised concerns about her health, noting her difficulty accessing proper medical care and questioning the guardianship’s handling of her thyroid condition.

Wendy’s case has drawn comparisons to Britney Spears’ highly publicized legal battle to end her own conservatorship. Critics of New York’s guardianship system have cited her situation as an example of the broader issues with the arrangement, which they say is rife with financial exploitation and neglect. A bill currently in the state legislature aims to prevent guardians from isolating their wards from family and abusing their power.

Fans and supporters have rallied around Wendy’s story, reviving hashtags like #FreeWendy and launching a Change.org petition to advocate for her release from the conservatorship. Alex called on the public to continue shining a spotlight on the issue, emphasizing the importance of treating Wendy with dignity and respect.

“This isn’t just about Wendy,” Alex said. “This is about fixing a system that fails so many people.”

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Wendy expressed gratitude for the support she has received from fans and family. She reiterated her desire to return to Miami to live independently with her loved ones. “I just want to live my life—with dignity,” Wendy said.