Kevin Hunter Jr. has broken his silence with a heartfelt plea that has shaken fans of Wendy Williams across the country. In an emotional Instagram video posted just 25 minutes ago from Asbury Park, New Jersey, the 23-year-old son of the iconic talk show host issued a desperate request for prayers and support as his mother’s health reportedly continues to decline. His words were raw and direct, clearly spoken from a place of love and fear. “My mom needs your support more than ever,” he said, his voice cracking as he tried to hold back tears. “This isn’t just about her physical health—it’s deeper.”
Seated in what appeared to be a modest living room, Kevin thanked Wendy’s longtime fans for their unwavering support over the years, then asked them to send that same energy back to her now. “If she’s ever made you laugh, given you strength, or helped you through something,” he said, “please, send that love back. We’re in a critical place.”
Though he didn’t share specific medical details, Kevin hinted at serious complications, saying that doctors are doing everything they can. He referenced struggles that “you haven’t seen on camera,” suggesting that what’s happening behind closed doors is far more severe than the public realizes.
Wendy Williams has faced a series of public health battles over the last several years. She first revealed her diagnosis with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition, back in 2018. That announcement led to frequent absences from The Wendy Williams Show and prompted concerns about her overall wellbeing. In 2019, she revealed she also suffered from lymphedema, which caused chronic swelling in her legs and made mobility difficult. More recently, she’s faced serious cognitive and mental health issues, including a high-profile guardianship case in 2022, when a judge appointed a legal guardian to manage her finances due to concerns over “severe impairments.”
Her past struggles with addiction have also been widely publicized. Wendy has spoken openly about her former cocaine use and entered a sober living facility in 2019 after a relapse. Insiders familiar with her situation describe her current condition as the result of a “complex cocktail” of autoimmune complications, mental health challenges, and intense legal stress tied to financial control of her estate.
The situation has left many of her closest friends and colleagues in the dark. Several people who used to be in regular contact with her now claim they haven’t been able to reach her for weeks. Her brother, Tommy Williams, previously voiced concerns that Wendy’s inner circle had become restricted, alleging that some people claiming to “help her” have isolated her from family.
In 2022, Wells Fargo froze several of Wendy’s bank accounts after raising concerns about financial exploitation. Since then, her assets have remained under the supervision of a temporary guardian, with lawyers still battling in probate court.
Kevin’s video is the first direct communication from Wendy’s immediate family in a long time, and it has struck a chord. Hollywood has begun responding quickly. Sherri Shepherd, who took over Wendy’s time slot after The Wendy Williams Show ended, wrote online, “Lifting Wendy in prayer. Praying for Kevin’s strength as well.” DJ Boof, a longtime collaborator on her show, shared a heart emoji and encouraged Kevin to “stay strong.” Celebrities like Niecy Nash and Andy Cohen reposted the video, urging their followers to send support and good energy.
For fans who’ve followed Wendy’s journey from her early radio days in New York to her reign as a daytime TV queen, the update is heartbreaking. She was once known as the bold, unfiltered “Queen of All Media,” famous for her catchphrases like “How you doin’?” and her fearless celebrity interviews. Her sharp wit and willingness to say what others wouldn’t made her a star. But now, behind the glittering career is a woman in crisis—a mother, a daughter, a person trying to survive in silence.
Kevin ended the video with a simple but powerful message: “Send prayers. Send good energy. My mom spent her life entertaining and helping others—now she needs that help from you.”
According to sources close to the family, Wendy remains in the New York area, under medical supervision. A documentary titled Where Is Wendy Williams? was reportedly set to air this spring on Lifetime, though producers are now reevaluating its release in light of these new developments.
As of now, fans are being told to expect few official updates, given that decisions about Wendy’s health and finances are in the hands of her legal guardian. But the plea from her son makes one thing crystal clear—Wendy Williams is in a fragile and uncertain place, and the people who love her are asking the world to lift her up.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or in crisis, please dial 988 in the U.S. or contact your local support service for immediate help.