Rewritten Title:
"Wendy Williams Celebrates 61st Birthday Amid ‘Horrific’ Guardianship Drama and Shocking Transformation"

This version retains key elements (birthday, guardianship drama, transformation) while streamlining the structure and preserving quoted language for emphasis.

Wendy Williams Celebrates 61st Birthday Amid Guardianship Battle and Health Struggles

[Image: Wendy Williams beams in a chic black dress at Delmonico’s with producer Suzanne Bass.]

Wendy Williams marked her 61st birthday with a vibrant outing in New York City, showcasing a striking contrast to her frail appearance in last year’s Lifetime documentary. The former talk show host, who has been under a controversial guardianship since 2022, enjoyed an early celebration at Manhattan’s iconic Delmonico’s restaurant with friends, including former producers Suzanne Bass and Brendan Higgins. Dressed in a sleek black cocktail dress and Chanel purse, Williams walked confidently without her mobility scooter, despite battling lymphedema, which she says limits feeling in her feet.

Guardianship “Prison” and Health Challenges
Williams has publicly criticized her court-appointed guardianship under lawyer Sabrina Morrissey, calling it a “luxury prison” that restricts her freedom. Though she resides in a high-end assisted living facility, Williams claims she needs permission for basic activities, like using the gym. In March, her guardian alleged Williams refused required medical tests (an MRI and neuropsychological exam) to reassess her capacity, stalling efforts to end the arrangement.

[Image: A 2024 documentary clip shows a disheveled Williams holding a vodka bottle.]

Last year’s documentary Where Is Wendy Williams? revealed her struggles with alcohol addiction and dementia diagnoses (aphasia and frontotemporal dementia). Williams, however, insists she’s mentally sound, telling Don Lemon in a podcast interview, “Hell f***ing no,” when asked if she’s incapacitated.

Family Drama and Financial Woes
Williams’ relationship with her son Kevin Jr., 24, has been strained by past allegations of financial exploitation. In 2022, Wells Fargo froze her accounts, citing concerns of “undue influence.” Though Kevin denied wrongdoing, the pair later reconciled, reuniting in February 2024 to celebrate her father’s 94th birthday.

[Image: Williams smiles with Kevin Jr. at her father’s birthday party.]

#FreeWendy Movement and Legal Fight
A growing #FreeWendy movement supports her fight against guardianship. In April, supporters rallied outside her facility as she waved from a window. Williams hired attorney Joe Tacopina (known for representing A$AP Rocky) to challenge the legal arrangement. Her health advocate, Ginalisa Monterroso, argues the guardianship is unnecessary, stating, “Why put an alcoholic in a memory care unit and throw away the key?”

[Image: Williams on her mobility scooter, smiling in a yellow shirt and denim shorts.]

Recent Public Appearances
Despite restrictions, Williams has been spotted at NYC dinners with friends and celebrities like Don Lemon. In April, she joined her niece and Lemon’s husband for meals, though her guardian reportedly blocked a planned meeting with Tacopina.

Looking Ahead
Williams remains determined to regain independence, declaring ending the guardianship her “number one” priority. Supporters await updates on her legal battle as she continues to advocate for her freedom.

[Image: Williams during a 2024 interview, discussing her guardianship struggles.]

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