Wendy Williams to be Deposed in Lifetime Documentary Case Despite Health Concerns
A judge has ruled that Wendy Williams will be required to testify in a deposition related to the lawsuit filed by her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, against A&E Television Networks over the 2024 Lifetime documentary featuring Williams. This decision comes despite Williams' diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Court Ruling and Deposition Details
According to court documents, the judge issued an order on September 15th, extending the stay of legal proceedings against A&E while Williams' separate guardianship case is under review. A joint letter updating the court on the status of that case is due by November 5th. The judge also granted A&E's request to depose Williams, which must occur by November 4th. This will be a "de bene esse" deposition, designed to capture testimony while the witness is still able to provide it, considering factors such as "age, health, fading memory."
The ruling acknowledges Williams' 2023 diagnosis of aphasia and FTD, which has kept her under a guardianship despite her denials of cognitive impairment. Despite this, the judge stated that Williams' "condition does not insulate her from providing testimony" as the Federal Rules of Evidence have no "requirement of mental ability" for witnesses. The jury will determine the weight given to her testimony.
The court has set specific parameters for the deposition, limiting it to three hours, allowing remote testimony, and restricting the room to no more than two attorneys from this case and one of Williams' guardianship attorneys. The deposition will be scheduled at a time convenient for Williams, accommodating her medical condition with sufficient breaks and spanning no more than three days.
Background of the Lawsuit and Guardianship
The lawsuit against A&E was filed by Sabrina Morrissey, Williams' guardian, in February 2024, seeking to halt the release of the documentary, "Where Is Wendy Williams?". Morrissey argued that Williams lacked the mental capacity to consent to participate in the program. The judge initially denied that effort. The legal battle intensified when Morrissey later claimed Williams was "cognitively impaired, permanently disabled and legally incapacitated." However, Williams denied being incapacitated in February 2024, prompting Morrissey to request a new medical evaluation.
In August, Williams' guardianship was upheld following a new medical evaluation. Allan Diamond, Williams’ attorney, has requested to delay a proposed deposition of Williams. He noted that the legal team continues to seek medical information from leading neurologists and neuropsychologists.
A source familiar with the case told People that attorneys suing A&E claimed the docuseries was so problematic it was removed from air. A&E's attorneys admitted to taking it down out of respect for the legal proceedings.
Future Proceedings and Family Involvement
An attorney for Morrissey requested an extension until November 3rd for a ruling on Williams' guardianship, citing complications arising from challenges by family members and Williams' ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, against both the guardianship itself and Morrissey's status as guardian.
