Insiders close to Wendy Williams are now revealing just how bad the star was at the height of her relapse in 2020, just days after she returned to treatment.
Wendy, 58, was reportedly “on the verge of death” prior to her hospitalization two years ago due to mental health issues and alcoholism, sources told Page Six on Friday.
Earlier this week, Williams’ rep announced that the talk show host had checked into a treatment facility to get her health under control while she made her comeback.
Scary times: Insiders close to Wendy Williams are now revealing just how bad the star was at the height of her relapse in 2020, just days after she returned to treatment (pictured in August)
“In my opinion, she really was at death’s door,” revealed someone who witnessed the ordeal, adding that if the people in Wendy’s orbit hadn’t intervened, she likely would have succumbed to her addiction.
According to sources, Wendy’s pal DJ Boof once found the daytime TV legend “catatonic” at her Manhattan apartment a few years ago.
But despite her condition, Wendy’s manager didn’t want to call emergency services to intervene.
“I don’t think he understood the magnitude of what was going on and I don’t think he wanted it to come out that she was unwell and he definitely didn’t want an 911 call like that [what] happened a year later,” the source told Page Six.
Struggling: Wendy, 58, was reportedly “on the verge of death” prior to her hospitalization two years ago for mental health issues and alcoholism, sources told Page Six on Friday
Another source added that Wendy’s living situation was scary at the time: “It was pretty messy. It was a disaster.’
“She was in her robes, she was dirty, she was catatonic, she was in very, very bad shape. She looked at the ceiling. She just wasn’t responsive, but her eyes were open, but she was definitely in a catatonic state,” they said.
The insider added that they found “a case of alcohol, open bottles of wine and a Ketel One” and put the alcohol away.
Concerned that Wendy might not be able to make it, the group called on her estranged ex-husband and adult son for help.
“She will die. She literally couldn’t get up,” the source told Page Six. ‘She was just lying on the blanket and needed help from 911 and [Young’s] like, “We’re not getting a 911.”
In response to the harrowing story of Wendy’s “catatonic” condition in 2020, her publicist Shawn Zanotti released the following statement to :
“The statement we gave Page Six said exactly what the current focus is, it’s no secret Ms Williams has had substance abuse issues in the past which she has been very open about but at the moment she is taking steps to do what is necessary to heal their overall health in order to prepare for this next journey in their life.
“She was in her robes, she was dirty, she was catatonic, she was in very, very bad shape. She looked at the ceiling. She just wasn’t responsive, but her eyes were open, but she was definitely in a catatonic state,” they said. (Seen in August)
“Stories that want to surface and talk about past stints of alcohol and drug use are trivial compared to what she is currently experiencing. Wendy focuses on herself – The Wendy Williams Experience’
Earlier this week, it was reported that Williams has returned to rehab to “take some time to focus on her health and well-being.”
A source told Page Six that the 58-year-old’s substance problems “worsened” as she “went off.” [drinking] wine to pure vodka.’
It was not clear where the TV personality was seeking help as she has received treatment in places in New York and Florida in the past.
Response from her publicist: “Stories that want to surface and reflect on past stints of alcohol and drug use are trivial compared to what she is currently experiencing. Wendy focuses on herself – The Wendy Williams Experience’
Williams publicist Shawn Zanotti confirmed, “Wendy entered a wellness facility to seek help with her general health issues.
“She’s taking some time to focus on her health and well-being as she prepares for a big comeback for the next stage of her career with ‘The Wendy Experience Podcast.’
“Ms. Williams is treated by a team of some of the best doctors in the world. We ask for your prayers and good wishes at this time.’
Williams has had trouble controlling her drinking, to the detriment of her overall health, which one source described as “failing,” sources told The US Sun, adding, “She can’t stop drinking and she needs to stop drinking; it only worsens their health.”
Sources told Page Six that the production company for her one-off series, Debmar-Mercury, “refused” to help in efforts to get William’s help with her troubles. The source said, “They turned their backs on her” and “had too much control over someone so vulnerable.”
Williams has also been at the center of other controversies as she has legally fought financial institution Wells Fargo after being locked out of her bank accounts.
Williams’ former attorney LaShawn Thomas told Page Six last month that the TV personality was dumped by her ex-financial advisor, Lori Schiller, who didn’t respond to the allegations.
Williams has dealt with substance abuse issues in the past, as she was able to achieve an extended period of sobriety until around late 2018/early 2019, when she took a two-month break from filming to enter a transitional home.
She said on her show in March 2019: “Only Kevin knows about it. Not my parents, nobody. Nobody knew because I look so glamorous out here. After completing my appointments…I am driven back to a house where I live by my 24-hour sober coach [Tri-state area] with some stinky boys who’ve become my family.’
More drama: Williams was also at the center of other controversies when she legally fought financial institution Wells Fargo after she was locked out of her bank accounts