Wendy Williams’ niece accused of ‘kidnapping’ her from $18,000-per-month assisted living facility

Wendy Williams Accused of Being "Kidnapped" by Her Own Family Member

The drama surrounding Wendy Williams took a dramatic turn this week when the Manhattan assisted living facility where she has been residing accused her niece, Alex Finnie, of "kidnapping" her. According to a police report filed by the facility, Coterie, Finnie allegedly took Williams out for dinner without proper authorization, sparking a heated debate over Williams’ autonomy and the facility’s protocols.

The Incident Unfolds: A Night Out Turned Controversial

On Wednesday night, Alex Finnie visited her aunt at the $18,000-per-month facility and decided to take her out for dinner at an Italian restaurant in NoHo. What seemed like a harmless outing turned controversial when the facility reported the incident to the NYPD, claiming that Finnie had evaded staff and unauthorizedly removed Williams from the premises. The facility emphasized that Williams, who resides in the memory unit on the fifth floor, requires elevator access to leave the building, which was not granted. However, Finnie and Williams maintain that they followed proper procedures, with a facility worker even assisting them to the lobby and opening the door to their Uber.

Contradictory Claims: Who Has the Right to Decide?

The situation took an unexpected twist when Sabrina Morrisey, the attorney for Williams’ guardian, contradicted the facility’s claims. Morrisey stated that Williams has no restrictions at Coterie, suggesting that the facility’s accusations may be unfounded. Meanwhile, Williams herself expressed frustration and disbelief over the incident. "Clearly, they are lying to me, saying I can go out and do what I want to do," she said, holding back tears. Williams explained that the outing was a celebration of her recent release from the hospital and that her niece had simply wanted to spend quality time with her.

A Family’s Perspective: Love and Concern

Alex Finnie, who had flown in from Miami to visit her aunt, described the experience as surreal. "I was told that, at some point, the police were called because the Coterie here was saying allegedly that I took my aunt from this facility and whisked her away without any sort of confirmation or approval," she recounted. Despite the drama, Finnie assured that she and Williams are "good" and have returned to the facility unharmed. Williams’ brother, Tommy Williams, also weighed in, stating that his sister is "in great shape mentally and physically" and that the family is focused on her well-being.

Wendy Williams’ Health Struggles and Recent Events

Wendy Williams, who has been living at Coterie under the care of her court-appointed guardian, has faced significant health challenges in recent months. Diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a degenerative disease that affects memory and cognitive function, Williams has been navigating a complex journey. Earlier this week, she was hospitalized after dropping a note from her window that read, "Help! Wendy!" and waving desperately for attention. In a surprise live call to "Good Day New York," Williams revealed that she had passed a mental acuity evaluation "with flying colors," showcasing her resilience and determination.

An Ongoing Battle for Autonomy and Clarity

The incident has raised questions about Williams’ autonomy and the role of her guardianship. While her family and supporters argue that she should have the freedom to make her own decisions, the facility and her guardian seem to prioritize her safety and well-being. The situation remains unresolved, with both sides preparing to present their cases. In the meantime, Williams continues to focus on her recovery and personal growth, proving that even in the face of adversity, she remains a fighter. As this chapter unfolds, fans and loved ones alike hope for clarity and a resolution that prioritizes Wendy’s best interests.