Former daytime talk show host Wendy Williams is at the center of controversy following the release of a new two-part Lifetime docuseries titled "Where Is Wendy Williams." The documentary has faced criticism from some critics for being exploitative, with one of the individuals featured in the series, Shawn Zanotti, expressing concerns over how Williams was portrayed.

Zanotti, who worked as Williams' publicist starting in 2021, stated in an exclusive interview with NBC News that she felt Williams was being exploited in the documentary. According to Zanotti, the project depicted Williams in a negative light and did not showcase the positive aspects that were agreed upon initially.

The filmmakers behind the docuseries claimed they were not aware of Williams' diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia during production. Despite this, they decided to move forward with the project, citing a responsibility to tell Williams' story with dignity and sensitivity.

Following the announcement of Williams' diagnosis and her entry into a treatment facility, Zanotti raised concerns about how the documentary was unfolding but felt ignored by the production company. She believed that the series aimed to sensationalize Williams' struggles for ratings rather than present a balanced portrayal of her life.

The documentary shed light on Williams' health issues, including her struggles with addiction, her stay in a sober house, and her battle with Graves' disease. Williams had previously faced challenges related to her health, leading to periods of absence from her popular show, "The Wendy Williams Show." The uncertainty surrounding her well-being has sparked public speculation and concern.

Despite the controversy surrounding the documentary, Williams' former publicist Zanotti emphasized that the series did not accurately depict the full spectrum of moments between her and Williams. As the debate over the documentary continues, fans and viewers are left to question the ethical considerations surrounding the portrayal of public figures and the responsibility of documentary makers in presenting sensitive subjects.