Wendy Williams' Houses & Lifestyle Changed after Divorce – She Has Dementia & Reportedly Sold Her Belongings
- Wendy Williams, the renowned talk show host, has been going through several changes in her personal and professional life.
- After divorcing her husband of over two decades, she had to deal with the financial and emotional fallout of their split.
- She has also had to cope with a devastating diagnosis, which affected her mental health.
Wendy Williams at SiriusXM Studios on July 23, 2019 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Wendy Williams the esteemed talk show host, has never shied away from discussing her health issues. She has openly battled Graves' disease and lymphedema, among other significant health challenges. In recent years, her ability to process information has come under scrutiny.
Wendy Williams during Opening Night of Bridge and Tunnel Off-Broadway on February 19, 2004 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Observations of her losing words, displaying erratic behavior at times, and struggling with understanding financial transactions led to speculations about her health condition. In 2023, Williams went through a series of thorough medical tests and she was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Wendy Williams at "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen" - Season 17 on September 27, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Aphasia, a disorder that impairs language and communication abilities, coupled with frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder affecting behavior and cognitive functions, has already introduced substantial challenges in Williams' life.
Wendy Williams rehearses for "Dancing with the Stars" at Rogers Dance Center on March 18, 2011 in Fairfield, New Jersey | Source: Getty Images
This diagnosis has facilitated the provision of the essential medical care that Williams requires. The decision to disclose this news was made after thoughtful consideration, aiming to advocate for understanding and compassion towards Williams and to raise awareness about these conditions.
This is in support of the thousands of others navigating similar circumstances. Regrettably, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, especially when they start to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.
Before her diagnosis, Williams held a special affection for her marital home. More than a decade ago, she offered a tour of her beautiful home, specifically her favorite space, the showcase room.
Wendy Williams showing off the inside of her New Jersey mansion in a video dated October 17, 2012 | Source: YouTube/@People
Wendy Williams showing off the inside of her New Jersey mansion in a video dated October 17, 2012 | Source: YouTube/@People
Wendy Williams showing off the inside of her New Jersey mansion in a video dated October 17, 2012 | Source: YouTube/@People
She professed her love for her home and stated, "I love our house and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's not about it being big, it's not about things being expensive; it's about three people who live a fast life who need a safe place and that's our home." In a 2019 interview, Williams opened up about a challenging period when her marriage fell apart.
Wendy Williams showing off the inside of her New Jersey mansion in a video dated October 17, 2012 | Source: YouTube/@People
Wendy Williams showing off the inside of her New Jersey mansion in a video dated October 17, 2012 | Source: YouTube/@People
Wendy Williams showing off the inside of her New Jersey mansion in a video dated October 17, 2012 | Source: YouTube/@People
Wendy Williams showing off the inside of her New Jersey mansion in a video dated October 17, 2012 | Source: YouTube/@People
She revealed that she had chosen to live in a sober house during this tumultuous time. However, it wasn't because she had fallen off the wagon, but rather due to her concerns based on the circumstances surrounding her. Williams had done her detective work and was aware that her husband, Kevin Hunter, was having a child with another woman.
Wendy Williams and Kevin Hunter during Patricia Field for the House of Rocawear Lounge on February 9, 2005 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Facing the imminent scandal of her husband's affair, she, a talkative TV personality with a successful show, knew it would make headlines. She needed an environment free from interruptions, and a sober house was the best choice for her.
Kevin Hunter, Wendy Williams, and Kevin Hunter Jr. at a celebration for The Hunter Foundation Charity on July 11, 2017 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Williams was aware that she was facing an imminent divorce and needed to thoroughly process everything to ensure that when she emerged from this situation, she would do so triumphantly. By the end of January 2020, the couple had finalized their divorce, attributing the split to irreconcilable differences.
Wendy Williams and Kevin Hunter during Alize Presents : "The Live Wendy Williams Experience" on October 7, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Following their separation, Williams and her ex-husband decided to put their long-time New Jersey mansion on the market. The house, a 5,700-square-foot property listed at $1.9 million, was a luxurious abode with five bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Kevin Hunter, Wendy Williams and Bruce Oust rings the opening bell on August 25, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
It boasted a master suite with spacious walk-in closets, a marble bath, a jacuzzi, and a steam shower. The house also featured a family room with a wood-burning fireplace, a home office, and a gourmet kitchen. The backyard was a private oasis with a basketball court, a patio, and a koi pond.
Wendy Williams attends a private dinner on February 21, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
While one report stated that Williams and Hunter agreed to forego alimony, another report stated that Hunter later filed a lawsuit demanding that Williams continue paying alimony.
However, the former couple agreed to split the proceeds from their home when it eventually sold. She also agreed to maintain a $1 million life insurance policy on herself that would benefit Hunter should she pass away. She also took responsibility for covering his health insurance under her current policy.
While filing for his ex-wife to pay alimony, Hunter claimed he had fallen behind on multiple bills and stated, "My life has been greatly affected since the plaintiff stopped making payments under our settlement agreement. I cannot pay my bills and sustain my day-to-day living."
In response to Hunter's demand for payment, Williams' attorney stated that the star has not had income from "The Wendy Williams Show" since October 2021. The attorney emphasized that her client had not received a salary from production, and she "presently has no other television show being aired and paying her any income, let alone an equivalent salary."
Williams' absence from her show began in September, shortly after she was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation. At the time, she reportedly earned $10 million a year, or $55,000 an episode, for her show.
In June 2022, "The Wendy Williams Show" concluded after a successful run of 13 seasons. Williams, however, was not present for the final episode, which featured a video montage commemorating her pioneering journey in television. Throughout the 13th season (2021-2022), Williams had been absent from her show due to health concerns.
Amidst her ongoing health challenges in 2021, Williams acquired a new residence, a high-rise unit in New York City valued at $4.5 million. The spacious 2,400-square-foot apartment features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an open-concept kitchen equipped with walnut cabinets, granite countertops, and a wine refrigerator.
In September of that same year, Williams appeared frail during a visit to a New York City art gallery, where she was aided by a young man pushing her in a wheelchair. In 2023, it came to light that Williams, who was unemployed, was still obligated to pay off her $3 million loan on her $4.5 million New York City apartment.
Wendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Williams?" from a video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/theview
Wendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Williams?" from a video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/theview
Wendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Williams?" from a video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/theview
The cost of maintaining the luxurious duplex was reported to be over $20,000 a month, factoring in her mortgage payment, maintenance costs, and New York City property taxes. It was later disclosed that she was liquidating her personal belongings in her apartment.
Wendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Williams?" from a video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/theview
A stillshot from the documentary "Where Is Williams?" from a video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/theview
Several items from her penthouse apartment were made available for purchase, including her iconic purple chair. Additional items on sale included her furniture and a range of eclectic home decor items that had been showcased during the lockdown when she filmed her show from home.
Wendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Williams?" from a video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/theview
Wendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Williams?" from a video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/theview
It was also reported that she had plans to relocate to Los Angeles and was eager to make a comeback on television. Amid much speculation about the show host, Williams' family members have spoken out in her new docuseries, "Where Is Wendy Williams?"
Wendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Williams?" from a post dated February 22, 2024 | Source: Facebook/enews
Wendy Williams talking to Blac Chyna in the documentary "Where Is Williams?" from a post dated February 22, 2024 | Source: Facebook/enews
The docuseries reveals the decline in Williams' health, including memory loss, mental breakdowns, confusion, disorientation, and excessive drinking. In the documentary, Williams reveals that she is broke. She said "I have no money." Her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., expresses his concerns about his mother's alcoholism, stating that people around her are allowing it to continue.
Kevin Hunter Jr. and Wendy Williams attend the Jeezy "TM 104" Listening Party on August 20, 2019 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Kevin Hunter Jr. and Wendy Williams attend the ceremony honoring Wendy Williams with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held on October 17, 2019 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
In a recent interview, her niece shared that Williams sounds "really good." She revealed that she hadn't seen her recently but they had great phone conversations. Williams sounded optimistic about the future and discussed the possibility of returning to work.