The public is about to get a closer, more unfiltered look into the life and current condition of Wendy Williams in TRAPPED: What Is Happening to Wendy Williams?—a powerful hour-long special presented by EXTRA set to premiere Monday, May 19 at 8/7c on Investigation Discovery (ID), with streaming available on Max.
Produced by EXTRA in collaboration with Warner Bros. Television Group’s Telepictures and ID, the special dives deep into the #FreeWendy movement—a growing call from Williams’ fans and loved ones pushing for the iconic media personality to be released from the guardianship she’s been under since 2022.
Wendy Williams, once dubbed the “Queen of Daytime Talk,” rose from the world of radio to dominate pop culture through her no-holds-barred approach on The Wendy Williams Show. But following the end of her talk show and a wave of speculation around her physical and mental health, Williams was placed under legal guardianship. It was later revealed that she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia and was moved to a memory care facility in New York City.
Despite that, many of her fans—and those closest to her—are questioning the guardianship’s motives and transparency, leading to the now-viral #FreeWendy campaign. The movement demands that Wendy be given the opportunity to reclaim agency over her life and decisions.
TRAPPED goes beyond headlines, offering a full-circle view of Wendy’s legacy, the events leading to her guardianship, and the current battle surrounding her freedom. The documentary features commentary from journalists who’ve followed her career closely, medical and legal professionals offering insight into her condition, and rare archival footage from EXTRA‘s archives.
A key voice in the special is Yazmin Ramos, former Senior Producer on The Wendy Williams Show. Ramos worked alongside Wendy for over a decade and provides firsthand perspective into Wendy’s work ethic, life behind the scenes, and what the public didn’t get to see.
With a mix of interviews, never-before-seen footage, and real-time reporting on the #FreeWendy movement, TRAPPEDpromises to be a compelling and emotional look at one of television’s most beloved and misunderstood personalities.
As the debate over guardianship rights and celebrity autonomy grows louder, this special shines a necessary spotlight on Wendy’s current reality—and the fight for her future.
Watch the trailer below: