Wendy Williams made a rare public appearance in New York City, celebrating her 61st birthday at the upscale Tucci restaurant with close friends and family. The former daytime TV host, dressed in a short animal-print dress, white sneakers, oversized sunglasses, and her signature pink-purple lipstick, appeared confident and upbeat throughout the evening. Those at the intimate dinner included restaurant owner Max Tucci, former show producer Suzanne Bass, and Williams’ niece, Alex Finnie, an anchor at ABC Miami.
The group gathered around as a birthday cake was brought to the table and sang “Happy Birthday,” capturing a joyful moment for Williams, who has mostly remained out of the spotlight in recent years. Attendees shared videos and messages on social media, expressing their love and support for Williams, with Finnie posting, “61 and fabulous… We love you #FreeWendy.”
This celebration was one of Williams’ few public outings since she was placed under court-ordered guardianship in May 2022, following health concerns related to frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia. Williams has spoken candidly about her desire to end the guardianship, describing it as restrictive and comparing it to incarceration. She emphasized feeling isolated, unable to make basic decisions or go out freely, and stated that her ultimate wish is to be “freed from guardianship.”
Williams’ niece and son have joined her campaign for independence, taking part in organizing #FreeWendy rallies in both New York and Los Angeles. Williams maintains that she is mentally fit, claiming to have passed recent cognitive evaluations and to be fully capable of managing her own affairs. However, her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina E. Morrissey, remains firm in her position, stating that Williams is “cognitively impaired, permanently disabled and legally incapacitated.”
The legal dispute, which echoes the public battle over Britney Spears’ conservatorship, continues to draw significant attention in court and among the public. Williams remains in a wellness facility in New York City, where she is still under care.