Attorney Joe Tacopina says Wendy Williams should be freed from her court-ordered guardianship before year’s end. The high-powered lawyer told “Nightline” Monday that guardianship attorneys have assured Williams she will be “out of guardianship” by December 31.
A Fight for Freedom for Wendy Williams
Williams has been under guardianship since 2022, when her bank froze her accounts and raised concerns she was “a victim of undue influence and financial exploitation.” The court appointed Sabrina Morrissey to oversee her finances and personal welfare.
In 2023, Williams was reportedly diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and primary progressive aphasia. But Williams has consistently denied those findings. On “The View,” she declared, “I don’t want Sabrina, period. … It’s been over three years. … It’s time for my money and my life to get back to status quo.” She also said she’s alcohol-free and ready to resume control over her affairs.
Her attorney’s recent announcement follows a new medical evaluation that — according to him — concludes Williams does not have FTD. He told “Nightline,” “[Williams] does not have frontotemporal dementia, so that should be game, set, match.”
Tacopina said that guardianship attorneys are “watching and waiting” and expect the guardianship to end by year’s end. He added that if the court refuses to end the guardianship, his team will seek a jury trial.
The possibility of restoring Williams’ autonomy has drawn renewed attention to her living situation, which she has criticized as restrictive. In past statements she described her memory-care facility as a “dump,” and said she felt isolated, unable to control her phone, visitors or daily schedule.
If the guardianship ends as Tacopina promises, Williams could regain control over her finances and make independent decisions about her life. Her legal team appears prepared — whether through voluntary release or a jury ruling — to push for full restoration of her rights