Wendy Williams is seemingly of mixed opinions according to two different reports after the news her show is now finished in favor. Sherri Shepherd, who was acting as Williams’ permanent guest host while Williams was out on media leave, will now have a talk show coming this fall and will debut in Williams’ old time slot.
Deadline reports that Williams has given a statement via her spokesperson Howard Bragman about her show reaching its end.
“It’s been a challenging time for Wendy as she deals with her health issues,” Bergman. “She is incredibly grateful to Debmar-Mercury, to Sherri and everybody else who has supported the show through this time.”
“She, more than anyone, understands the reality of syndicated television–you can’t go to the marketplace and sell a show that’s The Maybe Wendy Show,” he continued. “She understands why this decision was made from a business point of view, and she has been assured by Debmar-Mercury that should her health get to a point where she can host again and should her desire be that she hosts again that she would be back on TV at that time.”
HollywoodLife reports from a source that Williams apparently felt “blindsided” by Debmar-Mercury’s announcement early Tuesday.
The source said, “Wendy was blindsided…especially after the only language she has received from production has been messages of encouragement and that when she is ready to come back, they’re ready for her.”
The source also claimed that the show has been losing “a lot of money” without Williams as the host since FOX affiliates have to carry the series due to their contractual obligations.
Williams has been out for a long time due to her various medical issues. In their statement about Williams’ show ending, Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus said in part how it was “bitter-sweet” to say goodbye to Williams.
“We all have a great love and affinity for Wendy, who grew into a true icon during her 12 incredible seasons as a solo host of a live, daily talk show dishing on Hot Topics and interviewing celebrities. 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.”