Wendy Williams.Photo: Michael Tran/FilmMagic
AlthoughWendy Williamsseemed to speak out on social media after her rep, Howard Bragman, released a statement on her behalf on Tuesday, it appears the matter isn’t entirely resolved.
“Mr. Bragman although I appreciate your concerns and respect you immensely I have not authorized you to make any statements on my behalf regarding my current status with Debmar Mercury. Again thanks for your continuing concern and support,” the newly launchedWendyWilliamsOfficialInstagram page shared in a Story message. (Media company Debmar-Mercury launchedTheWendy WilliamsShowin summer 2008.)
In response to his client’s remark, Bragman tells PEOPLE: “I’m not honestly convinced of the source of that social media post, so when my old friend Wendy FaceTimes me personally and we alone have a chance to discuss recent events, together we can figure out the best path forward,” he wrote.
WendyWilliamsOfficial / Instagram
“It’s been a challenging time for Wendy as she deals with her health issues. She is incredibly grateful to Debmar-Mercury, to Sherri and everybody else who has supported the show through this time,” Bragman said in Tuesday’s statement.
“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.
Williams, 57, experienced serious complications as a direct result of Graves' disease and her thyroid condition last year. She has missed the majority of filming and her continued absence will remain for the “rest of” season 13, a source close to the situation previouslytold PEOPLEearlier this month.
Jason DeCrow/The Wendy Williams Show
Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein spoke about making a “transition” from Williams' hosting duties to Shepherd as a replacement.
“This is also a bitter-sweet moment for us and our partners at FOX. We all have a great love and affinity for Wendy, who grew into a true icon during her 12 incredible seasons as the solo host of a live, daily talk show dishing on ‘Hot Topics’ and interviewing celebrities,” Marcus and Bernstein said in a statement on Tuesday.
“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,” they concluded.
source: people.com
