Wendy Williams wants $100M for her podcast despite concerns after rambling Fat Joe interview
Wendy Williams is selling her podcast in the hopes of making $100 million, despite a recent interview with rapper Fat Joe that raised concerns about her mental health. According to various sources, Wendy, 57, has had podcast offers on the table for months but she wants her show back. iHeart Radio and Spotify are being explored as possible new homes for her eponymous talk show brand. If a contract is reached, the former daytime diva will return to her radio origins, as Wendy is known to have begun her career as a New York City radio DJ.
However, Wendy's confusing interview with Fat Joe over the weekend has left fans concerned. Wendy appeared in a rambling Instagram live chat with rapper Fat Joe, and when questioned about her absence from 'The Wendy Williams Show', she answered that "somebody stopped giving me my money." Wendy had earlier sued Wells Fargo after the bank blocked her accounts last January citing risks of "financial exploitation, dementia, or undue influence."
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One of the sources close to Wendy explained: "She sees Joe Rogan has a $100million podcast deal, and now she wants that kind of money." The Sun reported Wendy is proving difficult to market after her long period of absence. According to an insider. "The people at iHeart don't like controversy, so the best place for her is Spotify. They like the wild cards, but even at Spotify they don't give you the money unless you prove yourself first, and Wendy wants money upfront."
Another concern, according to the source, is that industry insiders are unsure if she can "be trusted to deliver a daily show or weekly show."
Wendy's legal battle
Wendy is currently fighting the bank for control of her accounts, although she had been away from her daytime talk show for several months prior to her health struggle. A source claimed that Wendy's loss of her TV program and her legal struggle with Wells Fargo does not appear to be related. Another source close to Wendy told The Sun that while podcast proposals are being considered, she is keen about getting her TV show back.
In the Fat Joe interview, Wendy talked about her replacement Sherri Shepherd: "I won't be watching her because I know what she's going to be doing and that's really not my thing. You know what I'm saying, anyway, but I love being on my own show and I love that people love to watch it. You know, all the time."
Following the interview, her admirers expressed their displeasure on social media, with one saying on YouTube: "I really feel for her. I feel she shouldn't have been interviewed yet. I hope and pray things get better." Another added: "Honestly, this was tremendously painful to watch, try to get through, follow and understand."
Wendy returned to her posh New York City apartment this month after spending many months healing from multiple health difficulties. In images captured by The Sun, Wendy looked in high spirits as she walked through the pouring rain to her waiting car outside her apartment in early April.
Wendy is involved in a legal struggle with her former manager, Bernie Young, 75, who is attempting to acquire control of her estate and her affairs through a guardianship action. Furthermore, the TV star is fighting for access to her Wells Fargo bank accounts, which purportedly contain millions of dollars. Wendy had spent much of the beginning of the year in Florida, recovering from her health concerns and spending time with her family. According to sources, there are various people in Wendy's orbit who can fight for guardianship, but those close to the celebrity do not feel it is essential.
"No one in her family feels like she needs a guardianship in place, they believe she is capable of handling her own life," an insider told The Sun. Wendy's son, Kevin Jr., 21, has power of attorney over his mother, as previously revealed by media outlets, but is not seeking guardianship, according to the insider, who added that neither he nor his mother feels one is essential.