A Battle Over Control

The legal saga surrounding former talk ⁣show host wendy Williams⁤ took a sharp turn this week ⁢as her attorney, Joe Tacopina, publicly denounced a leaked medical report as a deliberate act of “manipulation.” tacopina alleges the leak, ‌which People magazine reported as confirming previous diagnoses of dementia, originated with Williams’ court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey.

This dispute comes on the heels of a judge upholding Williams’ guardianship last week, following a renewed diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, conditions⁤ she was first diagnosed ​with in 2023. The guardianship, initially ⁤sought by Williams herself in May 2022, ⁢has become increasingly ‍controversial,‌ with concerns⁣ raised about the extent of control it grants over her life.

“Less Rights Than a Felon”

Tacopina’s criticism centers ‍on the perceived severity of ‍the restrictions placed ⁤upon Williams. He stated, “She has⁤ less rights than ​a convicted felon under⁣ probation, and that, to me, is the⁢ scariest part of this whole thing.” This sentiment underscores a growing concern about the potential for abuse within guardianship systems, where individuals can lose control over their finances, healthcare, and ⁢personal lives.

Williams was recently spotted in New York City‍ on August 16, 2025, dining at Tucci restaurant with restaurateur​ Max Tucci, briefly speaking ⁣with Page Six about her health. This public ⁤appearance, while seemingly positive, is juxtaposed against the backdrop‍ of the legal constraints she faces.

A Disputed Diagnosis and Allegations of Manipulation

Tacopina vehemently disputes the accuracy ⁤of the leaked medical​ report, calling it a “lie” and a “disgrace.” He asserts that a complete medical diagnosis has not yet been completed and accuses ​Morrissey of orchestrating the leak to bolster her position as guardian. He further suggests that the ⁤leak would constitute a violation of HIPAA (Health ​Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations, urging those responsible⁤ to come forward with proof of the report’s authenticity.

The core of Tacopina’s⁢ argument is that the guardianship is ⁣not about providing medical ⁤care for⁢ Williams,but rather about financial gain. He⁣ claims those profiting from the arrangement ‌are actively‌ working⁢ to maintain control over ⁣her, even through deceptive means. This raises serious ethical questions about the motivations behind the guardianship and the potential ‌for exploitation.

“She’s Doing Great” – A ⁣Contradictory Narrative

Despite the concerning reports surrounding her health, Tacopina insists ⁣that Williams is “doing ​great” and possesses a​ clear mind. “She is in control of her faculties as anyone else I speak to on a daily basis,”⁣ he stated. He emphasizes that her primary struggle is the loss of personal freedom and dignity, ⁣not a decline in cognitive ability. ‌ “Aside from the fact that she doesn’t have ⁢her liberties,​ her freedom, her human dignity that’s been stripped from her, she’s fine⁤ as a⁤ human being. She understands what’s going on, and she just wants her life back.”