Wendy Williams’ publicist slams documentary, says it 'exploits' TV star
Wendy Williams, the former daytime talk show host, is the focus of an explosive documentary that some critics are calling exploitative.
Wendy Williams, the former daytime talk show host, is the focus of an explosive documentary that some critics are calling exploitative.
In the new two-part Lifetime docuseries, “Where Is Wendy Williams,” the former host seems often disoriented and in one clip does not recognize her manager. In another scene, the same manager confronts her over empty liquor bottles found in her apartment.
One of those people, Shawn Zanotti, who is featured in the docuseries, slammed the producers behind it in an exclusive interview with NBC News.
"I felt that [Williams] was being exploited," said Zanotti, who began working as Williams’ publicist in 2021. "She thought we were focusing on the comeback of her career. ... She would be mortified. There’s no way you can convince me that she would be OK with looking and seeing herself in that way.”
Zanotti said she was first pitched the project by Creature Films and eOne Television in 2022. The same production company was behind another Lifetime documentary on the host’s life, “Wendy Williams: What a Mess!”
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