Wendy Williams is rallying support from her celebrity friends as she fights to regain control over her life after being placed under a court-appointed guardianship. The former talk show host, who has been declared legally incapacitated, is now describing her situation as a “luxury prison,” claiming that she’s being forced to live under circumstances that severely limit her autonomy.
A growing number of stars, including Don Lemon and Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, have come forward to show their solidarity with Williams as she battles in the courts and public eye to reclaim her independence.
On Thursday evening, Williams was spotted enjoying dinner at Il Cantinori in New York City, joined by Don Lemon, her niece Alex Finnie, and other friends. A source close to the gathering described Williams as “sharp, sweet, and fun” during the evening. She was reportedly in high spirits as she interacted with fans at the Greenwich Village restaurant.
The Baldwin couple also dined at the same restaurant and stopped by Williams’ table to offer their support. “They told her she was strong and would beat this and that they were behind her,” an onlooker shared. Lemon later shared details of the evening on his YouTube show, revealing that it was Alec Baldwin’s first time meeting Williams. Hilaria Baldwin expressed concern for Wendy, telling her, “I’ve been thinking about you. I’ve been worried about you.”
Don Lemon described Williams as lively and clear-headed during their dinner. He recounted a joke she made about the food at her facility, saying, “Wendy was like, ‘I’m gonna eat everything, Don, because the food where I am is awful!’” Despite her sharpness, she’s being kept in a memory care unit—a move Lemon found ironic, suggesting that while Williams may need some oversight, she certainly deserves more autonomy.
Earlier in the day, Williams appeared in court before Judge Lisa Sokoloff, who accused her niece of leaking information to the press. The judge also controversially stated that Williams’ TV career was “over,” a remark that sources criticized as “outrageous” and “mean-spirited.”
In addition to her legal proceedings, Williams met with high-profile attorney Joe Tacopina, who has joined her legal team. Tacopina highlighted Williams’ resilience and desire to regain her dignity, stating, “She wants her dignity back. She deserves it. She’s handling it all with class.”
Despite the tough legal battle ahead, Williams’ supporters, including Don Lemon, believe she’s poised for a major comeback. Lemon believes that the new chapter in Wendy’s life represents a powerful transformation: “Wendy is about becoming the woman she never got to be before—on her own terms, in her own time.” He added, “If you ask me, that might be the most powerful Wendy we’ve seen yet.”