A judge has ruled that Wendy Williams must sit for a deposition in her ongoing legal battle against Lifetime and A&E, despite her public diagnoses of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. The decision was issued this week, clearing the way for the former talk show host to give testimony in a lawsuit filed by her legal guardian over the “Where is Wendy Williams?” documentary released earlier this year.
The court determined that Williams’ health conditions do not prevent her from providing testimony in the case. Legal documents state that under the Federal Rules of Evidence, there is no requirement that a witness meet a standard of mental ability to testify. The judge emphasized that it will be up to the jury to decide how much weight to give her testimony.
Deposition Must Be Completed by Early November
Williams is expected to undergo what is known as a “de bene esse” deposition, which is used when there are concerns that a witness’ ability to testify at trial could decline due to age, health or fading memory. This special form of testimony is intended to preserve her account for use in court should she be unable to appear in person later.
The deposition must be completed by November 4. It will be limited to three hours and can take place remotely. Only two attorneys from each side and one of Williams’ guardianship lawyers will be allowed in the room while she testifies.
She will also be provided with breaks, and the court has ruled that her testimony cannot extend over more than three days in total if follow-up sessions are needed.
Lawsuit Challenges Documentary’s Production
The legal dispute began in February 2024 when Williams’ court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morissey, filed a lawsuit against Lifetime and its parent company A&E. Morissey alleged that the network filmed and released the documentary without first receiving legal approval from her as Williams’ guardian.
In her filing, Morissey stated that Williams was not of sound mental capacity to authorize her own participation at the time the documentary was produced. She accused the companies of exploiting Williams’ condition for commercial gain while bypassing the protections of her guardianship arrangement.
Attorneys representing Morissey argued in a September hearing that the series was so disturbing it was pulled from circulation. A&E’s attorneys later confirmed the series had been taken down, claiming the move was done out of respect for the ongoing legal proceedings.
Dementia and Aphasia Diagnoses at Center of Dispute
Williams’ health has been a central issue in the lawsuit. She was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia in February 2024, conditions that can affect behavior, speech and cognitive function. Sources told People in August that a second round of cognitive testing confirmed the earlier diagnoses.
Despite these findings, Williams has repeatedly insisted she is not cognitively impaired. In public comments, she has said she and her attorneys are “highly upset” about reports describing her condition and have vowed to challenge her ongoing guardianship. She has stated she is determined to regain control over her personal and financial affairs.
Williams continues to maintain that she is mentally capable and plans to fight to end her guardianship. This clash between her legal status and her own statements about her health has fueled widespread public debate about her autonomy.
What Happens Next in the Case
Legal experts say that while Williams’ condition may raise questions about the credibility of her testimony, the law does not prevent her from testifying. The jury will be instructed to evaluate the reliability of her statements and decide how much weight to give them.
If completed, her deposition will serve as recorded testimony that can be played at trial. This ensures her account is preserved even if her health prevents her from appearing in person when the case eventually reaches a courtroom.
The lawsuit remains in its early stages, and no trial date has been set. The outcome could influence how future guardianship arrangements intersect with media projects involving high-profile figures who are under court supervision.
The court’s decision to require Wendy Williams to testify despite her dementia and aphasia diagnoses marks a pivotal turn in her legal battle with Lifetime. It raises difficult questions about mental capacity, personal rights and the responsibilities of networks when documenting vulnerable public figures. What do you think about the court’s decision? Share your thoughts on social media and discuss with your friends.
