Wendy Williams’ publicist mortified by doc, calls it ‘exploitative’

(NewsNation) — Shawn Zanotti, the publicist for Wendy Williams, said she is mortified by how Williams is portrayed in a new controversial documentary, saying the producers “exploited” the former talk show host.

Zanotti told “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” that Williams, who was diagnosed last year with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, was excited about the documentary.

“Where Is Wendy Williams?” premiered right after Williams’ team announced her diagnosis, and it left many feeling uncomfortable.

Wendy Williams has frontotemporal dementia. What is FTD?

When asking about having Williams as part of the documentary, Zanotti said the production company told her it was going to be about her “comeback, her story.”

“Immediately, when I mentioned it to Wendy,” Zanotti said. “She was excited and said, ‘I want to do this. I want to get my life out there. I want to talk about my comeback.'”

Now, the documentary, which captured Williams’ struggles with alcohol-induced dementia, has sparked widespread criticism of the producers and raised questions about their motivations.

Williams has been open about having Graves’ disease and lymphedema, but it wasn’t until 2023, when she underwent a “battery of medical tests,” that she was given an official diagnosis of aphasia and dementia, the same form of dementia actor Bruce Willis has.

Zanotti, who appears repeatedly in the documentary, was critical of its editing, noting that many positive moments were omitted in favor of focusing on negative aspects of Williams’ life.

“There were many, many, many good moments,” Zanotti said. “A lot of good moments that happened during that time. And they decided to show none of the good moments, but focus in on all of the negative moments, those horrific scenes.”

One particular scene in which Williams appears disoriented and erratic has drawn scrutiny.

Zanotti clarified that the incident occurred a year ago and that Williams was in the process of addressing her health issues at the time of filming.

“This was actually this time last year, over three days with me,” Zanotti said. “And she was in the process at that time of getting back to herself. So she was, you know, working on her health. She was really trying to focus on the better component of her life. And so when they mentioned that to her, and that she can showcase that, she thought that was something that she wanted.”

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Further controversy surrounds a trip to Los Angeles featured in the documentary during which Williams is shown ordering alcoholic drinks before a pitch meeting.

Zanotti defended her actions, explaining that she was primarily concerned with ensuring Williams’ safety in a potentially volatile situation.

“She was afraid of her manager, her management at the time,” Zanotti said. “And so she was belligerent and demanded that I come to pick her up to get away. So I did just that.”

Critics have also raised questions about Zanotti’s knowledge of Williams’ struggles with alcoholism, as she can be seen drinking in several scenes of the documentary.

Zanotti maintained that he was not present for many of the scenes and emphasized her efforts to communicate concerns to her guardian.

Wendy Williams thanks fans for ‘overwhelming’ response to dementia diagnosis

In an exclusive interview on NewsNation’s “CUOMO,” Regina Shell, a close friend of Williams, voiced concerns over the TV personality’s guardianship arrangement in the wake of the new documentary.

Shell, who also appeared in the documentary without prior knowledge of its contents, recounted instances where Williams had no access to her finances, leading to delays in necessities like food. Shell expressed worries about the integrity of the appointed guardian, citing legal allegations against them.

Williams’ brother, Tommy, told NewsNation that his sister is doing better, but his family doesn’t know where she’s located.

“We are able to communicate with Wendy when we get a call,” Tommy said on “Banfield.” “But everybody’s not that reachable. So generally, my sister will get the call, and then she’ll patch me in.”

Zanotti expressed concern about the impact the documentary will have on Williams’ reputation and brand. She reiterated her commitment to supporting Williams and clarified that she was not compensated for her involvement in the documentary.

Williams has yet to see the documentary herself, meaning the full extent of her reaction remains unknown.

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