Wendy Williams, the 59-year-old media mogul, former talk show host, and businesswoman, once commanded a fortune of over $40 million at the peak of her career. However, as of 2024, her estimated net worth has dwindled to around $5 million. This dramatic financial downturn has been attributed to various legal, health, and personal struggles, including a court-ordered financial guardianship that has left her unable to access her own money. But how did Wendy Williams go from a multimillionaire talk show queen to a situation where she claims, “I have no money”? Let’s take a closer look at her financial trajectory, career highs, and personal battles.
How Did Wendy Williams Build Her Fortune?
Wendy Williams made a name for herself through radio before transitioning into television. She started in urban radio markets, gaining popularity for her bold and unfiltered approach to celebrity gossip. Her biggest break came in 2008 when she launched The Wendy Williams Show, a nationally syndicated talk show that ran successfully for 14 seasons until its abrupt end in 2022.
During her time on television, Wendy earned a massive salary. She was reportedly making $10 million per year from her talk show, breaking down to approximately $55,000 per episode. Beyond television, she also made money from book deals, stand-up comedy tours, and brand endorsements. However, despite her impressive earnings, financial and legal issues have plagued her in recent years.
Why Did Wendy Williams Lose Access to Her Money?
In 2022, Wells Fargo froze Wendy Williams’ bank accounts, citing concerns that she was being “financially exploited” by individuals in her inner circle. The bank took legal action, arguing that Wendy was an “incapacitated person” and required a financial guardianship to manage her assets. Wendy fought back, filing an injunction to regain control of her finances, but the court upheld the guardianship order.
A major point of contention in this battle stemmed from Wendy’s former financial advisor, Lori Schiller, who allegedly made the initial claim that she was not competent to handle her own money. Although Wendy fired Schiller, Wells Fargo continued to restrict her access to funds, stating that the decision was made in her best interest.
What Happened to Wendy Williams’ Real Estate Investments?
Over the years, Wendy has made significant real estate investments. In 2009, she and her ex-husband Kevin Hunter purchased a 6,000-square-foot mansion in Livingston, New Jersey, for $2.1 million. However, following their divorce, she sold the property in 2020 for just $1.475 million—significantly less than its original purchase price.
In 2021, Wendy made another major purchase—a $4.5 million luxury condo in New York City. The stunning multi-level residence boasts high-end amenities such as a 60-foot lap pool, sauna, steam room, and an observatory on the 64th floor. However, in early 2024, it was revealed that the IRS had placed a $568,451 tax lien on this property due to unpaid federal taxes from 2019 and 2021.
Did Wendy Williams Really Say She Has No Money?
In a shocking revelation made in the 2024 Lifetime documentary Where is Wendy Williams?, the former talk show host stated: “I have no money, and I’m gonna tell you something. If it happens to me, it could happen to you.” While this statement left fans in disbelief, it’s crucial to note that Wendy’s money has not necessarily disappeared—it is simply under financial guardianship, meaning she does not have direct access to it.
Given her past multi-million-dollar earnings and luxury lifestyle, her claim of being completely broke is questionable. However, if she does not have access to her wealth, it’s understandable why she might feel financially helpless.
What Led to Wendy Williams’ Health Issues?
Wendy Williams has been open about her long-term health battles. She has publicly discussed her struggles with Graves’ disease, hyperthyroidism, and lymphedema. In 2019, she revealed that her condition caused severe swelling in her ankles, making mobility difficult.
In 2022, Wendy took an indefinite leave from her show due to declining health. Then, in February 2024, her team announced that she had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia—the same condition that actor Bruce Willis suffers from. This diagnosis has raised further concerns about her ability to manage her affairs and finances.
How Did Wendy Williams’ Personal Life Impact Her Finances?
Wendy Williams’ personal life has also played a significant role in her financial troubles. Her highly publicized divorce from Kevin Hunter in 2019 was costly. Hunter, who was not only her husband but also her manager, reportedly received a substantial settlement, which likely impacted Wendy’s net worth.
Hunter’s alleged infidelity was the tipping point that led to their separation. Reports surfaced that he had fathered a child with his mistress, leading Wendy to file for divorce. This period of emotional turmoil coincided with Wendy’s health struggles and financial woes, creating a perfect storm that disrupted her life and career.
Is There Hope for Wendy Williams’ Financial Recovery?
Despite the hardships, Wendy Williams’ brand remains strong. She has a loyal fan base, and her legacy in entertainment is undeniable. If she regains control of her finances, there is potential for her to rebuild her wealth through book deals, public appearances, and business ventures.
However, with her ongoing health challenges and legal restrictions, the road to financial recovery may be complicated. The key question remains: will Wendy Williams ever be able to reclaim control over her fortune, or will she remain at the mercy of her court-appointed guardianship?
