Wendy Williams stepped out to celebrate her son Kevin Hunter Jr.’s college graduation, marking a rare public appearance for the former daytime television icon. The milestone comes amid her ongoing health struggles and legal disputes over her guardianship and media portrayals.
A Proud Moment for Wendy and Kevin
On December 19, the 60-year-old former host of The Wendy Williams Show attended Kevin’s graduation ceremony at Florida International University. Wendy, dressed to impress in a sparkly low-cut dress, black boots, and her signature “W” necklace, used a motorized scooter adorned with Louis Vuitton and Chanel designs.
The occasion was a heartwarming moment for Wendy and Kevin, 24, who has been a pillar of support for his mother during her tumultuous years. Kevin is Wendy’s only child, whom she shares with her ex-husband Kevin Hunter.
Health and Guardianship Struggles
Wendy’s public appearances have been scarce since The Wendy Williams Show was canceled in June 2022 due to her health issues, including Graves’ disease. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), conditions that severely impact her cognitive abilities. Her family, including Kevin Jr., was reportedly unaware of the FTD diagnosis until it was announced by her medical care team.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Wendy expressed gratitude for the support of her fans, saying, “I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive.”
Kevin Jr.’s Role and Concerns
In February 2024, Kevin emerged from his largely private life to appear in the trailer for Where Is Wendy Williams?, a Lifetime documentary exploring Wendy’s life and health after her show’s cancellation. He voiced concerns about his mother’s return to work, suggesting that she has “worked enough” and that some people in her circle are enabling her to continue despite her declining health.
Kevin also criticized Wendy’s court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, stating that he felt her care was not in his mother’s best interests. Morrissey, meanwhile, has described Wendy as “cognitively impaired, permanently disabled, and legally incapacitated” in court filings.
Legal Battle Over Lifetime Docuseries
Adding to the turmoil is an ongoing legal battle between Morrissey and A&E Television Networks, Lifetime Entertainment, and other affiliates behind Where Is Wendy Williams?. Morrissey alleges that Wendy was filmed without valid consent and that the media companies exploited her during a vulnerable period. The court filing claims Wendy was “clearly incapable of consenting to being filmed, much less humiliated and exploited.”
Mother and Son Stand United
Despite the challenges, Wendy and Kevin remain close. In August, the pair were spotted at a holistic store in Newark, New Jersey, showcasing their bond amid difficult circumstances.
As Wendy continues to navigate health issues and legal disputes, her appearance at Kevin’s graduation is a testament to her enduring commitment to her family.
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