Wendy Williams is apologizing to fans of The Wendy Williams Show after an episode of the show aired that she didn't feel was up to par. Williams took to social media to talk about the struggles she had during the episode, and explained the whole thing shaped up the way it did thanks to her reaction to painkillers. She said:
I sincerely apologize if you feel that today's show was less than stellar. I'm on your TV screens every day wanting to spread laughter, entertainment and cheer. As I reported earlier in the week, I have a hairline fracture on my upper arm, which hurts like hell. I've never broken a bone or experienced a fracture in my life. In the key place where the fracture is, and trying to scurry around and do too much, I am now paying the price. I've never taken a pain medication in my life (except when I got snatched over 20 years ago) until this week. I did that to power through and try to deliver a great show for you, against the better judgement of the many people around me who genuinely care for me well-being. I really do ride or die for my craft and give 200%.
The talk show host explained that she's going to be resting up over the holidays, which seems to mean she doesn't plan on going on the air on painkillers anytime soon. Those involved in The Wendy Williams Show may be fine with that, as Williams alluded there were those who cautioned against the prescription pills ahead of Williams getting on camera. She also promised later in the Instagram post to be a "better Wendy in 2019," also telling her fans she loved them before signing off.
Viewers suspected something was amiss with Wendy Williams after she stumbled over some lines as she tried to read the teleprompter. The in-studio audience took her flubs in stride with unconcern, but when watching footage of the episode it's understandable how some who tuned in may have been worried about Williams' well-being. Williams tripped over her words a few times, especially while trying to read a story that involved Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian. You can take a look at more of what happened during the episode below.
Wendy Williams' use of painkillers is understandable given her hairline fracture, although it may be a red flag to some who remember her talking about past struggles with drug addiction in her career. Williams' described herself as a "functioning addict" and would still report to work and do her duties regardless. Williams' prior struggles with addiction don't seem to be tied to this, which sounds instead like her doing whatever it took to make sure she could do her show.
Wendy Williams mainly seemed to be addressing those who may have feared her on-air presence was in some way tied to her Graves disease. Williams had a fainting spell during a live Halloween episode last year, and officially revealed the diagnosis months after the event. Williams seemed to allude in her post that some of what happened during that show could be tied to the illness, and added that those who have thyroid issues understand.
Wendy Williams' struggles with Graves disease led to her taking a 3-week break in 2018, and it's possible 2019 could have more breaks so she can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Luckily, it appears Wendy Williams' followers and viewership of The Wendy Williams Show are OK with that. Williams was showered with well wishes and words of encouragement on her social media following the apology, with many willing to defend her in lieu of nastier comments.
Viewers can check their local listings for when and where to catch The Wendy Williams Show, which airs weekdays. For a look at what's airing on television right now, and in the first half of 2019, be sure to visit and bookmark our handy fall and midseason premiere guides.
