WENDY Williams feels ‘disrespected’ after Sherri Shepherd announced she’s replacing the veteran host on her own daytime talk show.
Wendy insiders told The Celeb Report that the host and her inner circle feel disrespected by Sherri for making the announcement about her new talk show, Sherri, on The Wendy Williams Show – while a production insider said it’s shocking the host hasn’t gotten a proper goodbye.
Sherri’s announcement was cross-promoted on The Wendy Show’s Instagram and Wendy Williams’ personal Twitter accounts as well as on The Wendy Williams Show’s YouTube channel as well.
“Sherri’s show was announced on The Wendy Williams Show, with Wendy’s audience and with all of her followers.
“Wendy has 2.6million subscribers on her YouTube alone. That’s Wendy’s YouTube! She built that following, not Sherri, not the production company,” one source close to Wendy said furiously.
Across Wendy’s socials alone she has an approximate total of six million subscribers and followers which she has built over the 13 years the show was on the air.
The source added: “It was bad enough they canceled her show and gave Sherri her own daytime talk show which is set to take over Wendy’s time slot. It was a total slap in the face for it to be announced on Wendy’s show and her platforms.”
Another source close to The Wendy Williams Show added that Wendy watchers shouldn’t hold out hope on seeing a proper on-air send-off for the Queen of daytime TV either.
“They had a full goodbye package ready to go with all the best of moments over the years. They just needed her to do a voiceover.
“They were going to show all of her greatest hits, the biggest stars, all the funniest moments and they just deleted it!
“They’re not using it anymore. They just aren’t going to bother. Normally they would want to pass the baton- but at this point, they’re not even saying ‘Good bye.’ It’s barely even a ‘Bye.’ It’s just incredible.”
Who is working for Wendy now?
Multiple sources previously told The Celeb Report that Wendy has gotten rid of both her longtime manager, Bernie Young, and her recent crisis manager, Howard Bragman.
One insider told The Celeb Report: “Bernie and Howard are out. They don’t even have a way to get in contact with her.
“No one has no way to get in contact with Wendy, she doesn’t even have her own phone anymore.”
However, one friend insisted the former host is in good hands with her son Kevin Jr, who is caring for his mother with guidance from the star’s ex, Kevin Hunter Sr.
“Her son is doing a great job with her, taking care of her and getting her the help she needs.
“Kevin Jr has Power of Attorney, but his dad is helping him manage what that means he needs to do.
“He’s young, and because of everything going on, Wendy isn’t opposed to having her ex-husband help her.”
Sherri takes over
On Tuesday’s The Wendy Williams Show, Sherri told fans: “Starting in September I am starting my own talk show!”
After her big announcement, the show’s press team sent out the official release that made it clear- Wendy is not returning to her own show.
In the release, Co-Presidents of television company Debmar-Mercury, Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein, commented: “We all have a great love and affinity for Wendy, who grew into a true icon during her 12 incredible seasons.
“Since Wendy is still not available to host the show as she continues on her road to recovery, we believe it is best for our fans, stations and advertising partners to start making this transition now. We hope to be able to work with Wendy again in the future, and continue to wish her a speedy and full recovery.”
The Celeb Report has reported for months now that Sherri would be chosen to take over, and that Wendy would not be returning.
Wendy’s health struggle
As The Celeb Report previously reported, the daytime presenter has been battling a health crisis for months.
Sources have said the once witty, sharp host of The Wendy Williams Show isn’t the same as she used to be as she battles multiple medical problems, including addiction, Graves’ disease, and Covid.
A source close to the show told The Celeb Report: “The spark is gone. That Wendy, who for ten years had that spark in her eyes, that cheeky grin and that little wink is not the same now.”
The insider added some days are better than others for the once feisty daytime diva.
“She’s not always functioning like she used to be. She has days where she needs help eating, getting out of bed and getting dressed.”
Even more heartbreaking, the source added she doesn’t always recognize people whom she’s known for years.
“There are people who Wendy knows, who have worked closely with her, and there are days that she has no idea who they are.”
Wendy has not appeared on her show since July 2021, and the series has been hosted by a rotating cast of celebrity guests including Sherri, Michael Rapaport, Leah Remini and Michelle Visage.
