Why is Wendy Williams’ ex-husband suing her guardian and judge for $250 million? Reason explained

Kevin Hunter, the ex‑husband of media host Wendy Williams, filed a $250 million federal lawsuit on June 17, 2025, in New York. He brings the suit “on her behalf,” naming 48 defendants connected to her court‑ordered guardianship.

Among those sued are guardian Sabrina Morrissey, Judge Lisa Sokoloff, Wells Fargo Bank, Wendy Williams' assisted‑living facility in Manhattan, and several lawyers involved in her case. Hunter says the guardianship, which has been in place since May 2022, has become exploitative rather than protective.

Also Read: What was Anne Burrell's net worth? Fortune explored as Food Network star dies at 55

Guardianship was put in place after concerns over mental capacity

In early 2022, Wells Fargo froze Wendy Williams' bank accounts, citing “suspicious activity” and worries about her ability to manage money. Soon after, Judge Sokoloff appointed Sabrina Morrissey to oversee Williams’s personal and financial affairs.

Medical professionals diagnosed Wendy Williams with frontotemporal dementia, progressive aphasia, and Graves’s disease in 2023. Williams has since disputed those findings, insisting she remains capable of handling her own life and career.

Lawsuit outlines allegations of mistreatment and neglect

Hunter’s complaint argues that Wendy Williams never received a fair, independent medical evaluation before the guardianship began. He claims she was overmedicated and kept isolated from friends and family at Coterie, the Manhattan care facility where she lives.

The suit says Williams lacked proper legal representation and that Judge Sokoloff blocked her chosen lawyers from accessing court documents or making court filings.

Also Read: What are the allegations against Tyler Perry? Details explored as actor denies claims in $260M lawsuit

Financial losses and alleged misuse of assets are central to the suit

According to court papers, Wendy Williams was unable to work under the guardianship, costing her about $20 million in annual earnings. Hunter also alleges mismanagement of her roughly $80 million estate, including a $4 million condominium and personal belongings valued at over $10 million.

He points to millions of dollars in fees paid to guardianship professionals and a $60,000 payment to a doctor who had supported the guardianship decision, suggesting conflicts of interest.

Lawsuit describes privacy violations and personal distress for Wendy Williams

Hunter details incidents where private photos of Wendy Williams were taken without her permission and allegedly offered for sale to news outlets. He also claims her two rescue cats, Chit Chat and My Way, were sold without notifying her, removing important emotional support. These actions, he argues, added to Williams’s emotional distress and sense of confinement under the guardianship.

Also Read: Celebrity chef Anne Burrell found dead at home: Police confirm she was unresponsive at scene

Lawsuit demands changes to guardianship and compensatory relief

Rather than seeking to end the guardianship immediately, Hunter asks for a new, impartial guardian to be appointed. He wants all guardianship records unsealed, Wendy released from involuntary confinement, and a full forensic accounting of her finances.

He also seeks recognition as Wendy Williams' “next friend,” a legal advocate role, and $250 million in damages for lost income, reputational harm, emotional suffering, and legal costs.

The case highlights broader questions about guardianship oversight

A jury trial has been scheduled, but none of the defendants, including Morrissey, Judge Sokoloff, or Wells Fargo, have commented publicly.

Observers will watch whether the court orders new medical reviews, financial audits, or changes to guardianship management. The outcome may set precedents for protecting adults under similar court supervision while ensuring their rights remain protected.

Also Read: How are celebrities reacting to Anne Burrell's death at 55? Tributes pour in