Shawn Zanotti, Wendy Williams‘ publicist since 2021, has come forward to express her dismay at the way her client has been portrayed in the new “Where Is Wendy” documentary. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Zanotti revealed that she felt Williams was being exploited and misrepresented in the film. She emphasized that Williams had not signed up for the version of the documentary that was ultimately aired, and that the producers had strayed far from the original concept that was pitched to her and Williams.
According to Zanotti, Williams had initially been enthusiastic about the idea of sharing her story through a documentary. However, the final product failed to capture the essence of what was intended, focusing instead on sensationalized moments that painted Williams in a negative light. While speaking exclusively with NBC News, Zanotti lamented the absence of positive moments and the lack of respect shown towards Williams’ privacy and dignity.
The timing of the documentary’s release has also raised eyebrows, as just one day before it aired, Williams’ management team announced that she was in a treatment facility, receiving care for primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Zanotti clarified that Williams had not been consulted about the decision to disclose her medical condition publicly, further highlighting the lack of communication and transparency surrounding the project. “I felt that [Williams] was being exploited,” said Zanotti. “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.”
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Where Did Things Go Wrong?
Zanotti said she was first pitched the project by Creature Films and eOne Television back in 2022. “When I mentioned [doing a documentary] to Wendy, she immediately said: ‘Yes, I would love to do it. I would love to be able to get my story out there,’” Zanotti said. Upon seeing what was aired, Zanotti said she did not agree to this.
“That is not the project that [Williams] signed up for. That’s not the project [the producers] brought to me. That’s not what I told her this was going to be about,” Zanotti said. She added, “There were a lot of good moments. None of those good moments were shown.”
Zanotti said she even flagged her concerns to Williams’ current guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, during production.
“I did not agree with what was going on with this documentary,” she said. “I made it very clear to the guardian. The production company was aware of that. I didn’t — I didn’t agree with the way this was moving and shaking. And instead of them dealing with it with me, they decided to ignore me. They ignored me from that moment, and I never heard from them again,” NBC quotes.
More On Wendy Williams
Just a day after the lifetime doc aired, a heartbreaking announcement was shared with the public: Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
In an interview with TODAY.com, the filmmakers defended their move to release the documentary, saying they were not aware of Williams’ diagnosis during production. They moved forward with the project because, according to showrunner Erica Hanson, “We all felt this was a complex and sensitive story to tell, and we all felt a great responsibility to do it with dignity and sensitivity.”
Reacting to that, Zanotti says, “I don’t think [the diagnosis] would have stopped them at all. The producers were asking questions throughout the entire time — would ask questions where she would somewhat seem confused, and I feel as though it was done to be intentional at that moment in time to make their storyline,” Zanotti said. “Again, this was presented as a documentary to her, but to me, it looked as though it was a reality show of a circus, a circus to her downfall.”
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the documentary, Zanotti remains committed to supporting Williams and ensuring that her best interests are protected. As Williams continues her journey towards recovery and healing, Zanotti stands as a steadfast advocate for her client, determined to uphold her dignity and integrity in the face of adversity.
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