Wendy Williams Under Fire For Failure To Return Payment

Wendy Williams and her team are accused of failing to return payment for a speaking engagement after the talk show personality cancelled at the last minute.

Where Wendy Williams goes, controversy is usually not too far behind. The former host of The Wendy Williams Show is no stranger to a little shock and awe. Her strong opinions and lack of a word filter have often left Williams in plenty of hot water throughout the years. But in her latest controversy, it’s actually her lack of words that have caused an uproar.

Earlier this year, Williams was booked to be the keynote speaker at the Women’s Expo in Atlanta. But on May 17, just three days before the event, Williams was forced to back out, later citing medical concerns. The talk show host prerecorded a video message to apologize to those in attendance, although the video was never used. R&B singer Monica was selected to replace Williams as keynote speaker and everything seemed to work out just fine.

There’s just one problem.

Wendy Williams’ Team Has Failed To Return Payment For Her Cancellation

According to The U.S. Sun, wire transfers reveal that Williams’ publicist company, Exact Publicity, was paid $25,000 prior to the Atlanta Women’s Expo. But as of September 13, only $15,000 has been returned to the Expo. The U.S. Sun reports that three separate wire transfers have been sent back to the Expo. The first transfer of $12,500 occurred on May 17, the day that Williams canceled her appearance. Another $1,250 was then transferred on June 9. Three days later, Williams’ manager Will Selby sent another $1,250 to the Expo. Since that date, the Women’s Expo has not received the remaining $10,000 that is still owed to them.

Many inside Williams‘ camp believe that she should have never been put in the position to even commit to speak at an event. “Wendy’s ability to perform has been rocky at best. She can put together a sentence one day but not the next,” said one inside source on Williams’ team. Williams’ entertainment attorney Deborah Hrbek argues that her client had no say in agreeing to appear at the Expo. “I am doing my best to help here despite the fact that Shawn had no authority to enter this agreement on behalf of Wendy or any entity owned by her,” wrote Hrbek in a series of emails.

According to Perez Hilton, the video of Wendy Williams’ Women’s Expo apology highlights the concern for her well-being.

After seeing this video of Wendy Williams, we can see why the Women's Expo organizers had concerns! https://t.co/vE65VHGNeS

— Perez Hilton (@PerezHilton) September 6, 2023

Health Concerns Have Plagued Wendy Williams

Throughout the latter part of her career, Williams has been open about her struggle with Graves’ disease. Graves disease is an immune system disorder that causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones. She has also shared that she has been diagnosed with both lymphedema and vertigo. Her conditions can often make everyday life, and especially public appearances, an uphill battle. With her health, a primary concern,  William’s cancelled appearance at the Women’s Expo has been heavily scrutinized by those around her.

In the days leading up to the Atlanta Women’s Expo, rumors of Williams being hospitalized swirled. A rumor that was quickly shut down by her publicist. “I can confirm that Wendy Williams is not in the hospital, as reported. I can also confirm she is not in New York, as reported,” Zanotti told Page Six.

#WendyWilliams Wendy Williams' rep shuts down report she is in hospital amid health concerns https://t.co/Wee3e363N5 pic.twitter.com/c5QhbEHVeL

— Brightly (@BrightlyAgain) May 20, 2023

But those closest to Williams remained concerned over the talk show host’s health. “She should never have been put out to do a full-blown, live speaking engagement. She was not well enough to work leading up to this event. It was a money grab by those around her,” one member of Williams’ team said.

What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you believe that Williams’ publicist should be on the hook for the failure to return payment to the Expo? Let us know what you think down below in the comments section.