Wendy Williams and Ex-Husband Take Legal Action to End Guardianship in 2025
In a significant legal development, Wendy Williams and her former spouse Kevin Hunter have initiated a lawsuit to terminate her guardianship. Filed on Tuesday in New York, the suit demands $250 million, asserting that the guardianship has morphed into a "weapon" rather than a protective measure.
The lawsuit targets Sabrina Morrissey, the court-appointed guardian, along with financial institution Wells Fargo, financial advisor Lori Schiller, and former manager Bernie Young. It alleges that under Morrissey’s care, Williams has faced abuse, neglect, and deceitful practices. The document references Williams’s married name, stating she is being subjected to an unduly controlling environment, characterized by restricted communication with friends and family.
Background on the Guardianship
In 2022, Williams entered the guardianship voluntarily after concerns over her frozen Wells Fargo accounts, a decision encouraged by the bank itself. Hunter contends that his ex-wife possesses the capacity to make her own choices, claiming her guardians are disregarding medical recommendations and trapping her under "fraudulent bondage." Williams has been diagnosed with conditions including Graves’ disease and dementia, complicating her circumstances.
The legal filing describes how Williams has been "overmedicated and unduly restricted" despite recent evaluations suggesting she is alert and capable. Allegations have surfaced that she was coerced into guardianship amid financial and emotional pressures, with accusations targeting Schiller and Young for misusing her financial assets.
A Life of Confinement and Luxury
Currently residing at Coterie, a high-end assisted living facility in New York City, the lawsuit claims Williams is involuntarily confined. She has voiced her frustrations, expressing confusion over her expenses, which amount to $18,000 monthly for minimal independence—such as requiring assistance for personal care tasks.
The suit encompasses a range of claims, including violations of free speech, isolation, and breach of fiduciary duty, while seeking a jury trial. Williams alleges to have suffered significant financial losses, reported at around $20 million annually, along with the decline of her $80 million estate and personal belongings valued over $10 million.
This unfolding legal battle highlights the complexities surrounding guardianship and the protection of those who may be vulnerable, drawing public attention to the intricate dance of personal autonomy and legal oversight in 2025 America.