Wendy Williams is well-known for her candid and often controversial commentary, but her life outside of the spotlight has been marked by significant challenges.
She has openly discussed her struggles with addiction, particularly cocaine, during the early years of her career.
In recent years, she has also faced serious health issues, including Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid, and hyperthyroidism, which can cause a range of symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and heart issues.
Despite these difficulties, she has continued to work and share her experiences with her audience, using her platform to discuss not only celebrity news but also her personal journey.
Fainted On Live TV
In October 2017, Wendy Williams experienced a dramatic incident on live television when she fainted during a Halloween episode of her talk show while dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume.
The broadcast quickly cut to a commercial break as producers rushed to assist her. When she returned shortly after, she attributed the fainting spell to overheating in her costume.
This moment garnered significant media attention and highlighted the pressures and unexpected challenges that come with live television.
Wendy Williams’ ability to address the situation with humor and grace further showcased her resilience and connection with her audience.
Flu Scare
In February 2018, Wendy Williams had to cancel three episodes of her talk show during the week of Valentine’s Day due to flu-like symptoms.
She expressed her frustration on Instagram, emphasizing that she had never taken a sick day in over 25 years of her career.
However, she assured her fans that she would return to the show the following Monday, which she did, demonstrating her commitment to her audience and her work.
Diseases
In late February 2018, Wendy Williams took a three-week hiatus from The Wendy Williams Show to address health concerns related to her Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism.
Her representative announced that her doctor had prescribed the break to help stabilize her medication and ensure her health was properly managed.
This time off highlighted the challenges she faced due to her autoimmune condition and underscored the importance of prioritizing health, even for those in the public eye.
Wendy Williams returned to her show in mid-March, continuing to share her journey with her audience.
Battle With Cocaine Addiction
In July 2018, Wendy Williams discussed her ongoing campaign “Be Here” with The Hunter Foundation in an interview, where she opened up about her struggles with cocaine addiction over the past decade.
She described herself as a “functioning addict,” explaining that her strong ratings as a talk show host contributed to her job security, as networks were reluctant to let her go despite her personal challenges. Williams expressed gratitude for her recovery, stating,
“It’s a miracle I was able to stop.”
This candid reflection not only highlighted her resilience but also aimed to inspire others facing similar battles with addiction.
Fracture Of Shoulder
In mid-December 2018, Wendy Williams suffered a hairline fracture in her right shoulder but continued to persevere through the injury.
While hosting her show, she cleverly concealed her sling under her clothing and reassured her audience, stating,
“I don’t need an operation, and I’m not wearing a hard cast. … The show will go on!”
This determination to continue working despite her injury showcased her commitment to her show and her resilience in the face of adversity.
Wendy Williams’ ability to maintain her upbeat spirit and keep the show running resonated with her fans, further solidifying her reputation as a dedicated and hardworking host.
Weight Loss Reveal
Wendy Williams was spotted walking to a restaurant in New York City, where she took the opportunity to give fans an update on her weight. Dressed stylishly in a Louis Vuitton fur jacket paired with matching denim shorts, she appeared to be in good spirits.
This outing not only showcased her fashion sense but also her efforts to engage with her fans about her health and wellness journey, reflecting her ongoing connection to her audience despite her recent challenges.
“Hey, I just went to the doctor and I got on the scale and I weigh 138!” Williams happily told photographers waiting outside. “Pretty, right?”
