Representatives for longtime television host Wendy Williams have issued a statement on behalf of the star amid what has been a busy week for the daytime television talk show.
As previously reported, just days after it was revealed that the Daytime Emmy award-winning series will be canceled this summer, the show’s current and one of many guest hosts, Sherri Shepherd, announced the launch of her debut show, “Sherri.”
Williams’ spokesperson, Howard Bragman, explained that the 57-year-old “understands” the business decision and expressed her gratitude to her replacement, Shepherd, People reported. “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 stated.
“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. “She understands why this decision was made from a business point of view, and she has been assured by Debmar-Mercury that should her health get to a point where she can host again and should her desire be that she hosts again that she would be back on TV at that time.”
However, shortly after Bragman gave his statement, Williams posted a message on her Instagram Stories in which she denied she allowed Bragman to speak on her behalf, writing:
“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.”
Reports emerged last weekend that “The Wendy Williams Show” will be canceled in June. Still, it’s unclear if Williams would return to her purple chair to host the remaining episodes as she continues to struggle with health complications stemming from her battle with Graves’ disease.
During a recent taping of the show, Shepherd shared the wonderful news of her “dream come true” and addressed reports that she was essentially “replacing” Williams. The “Sherri” show is set to premiere during the same time slot currently held by Williams’ show.
“I do want to say there had been all these crazy stories online about me replacing Wendy, and I am here to tell you that that is not true because no one can replace the queen — nobody,” Shepherd said. “And trust me, I am not trying to at all.”
She added, “It is Wendy’s place to share her story with you, but I do want to give the queen her props and her flowers because Wendy had a legendary career in radio, and this show was specifically crafted for her. No one can do this format but Wendy.”
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