Former daytime talk show host Wendy Williams finds herself at the center of a legal dispute regarding a docuseries that critics have deemed exploitative. According to court documents obtained by NBC News, Williams' financial guardian alleges that she was not mentally capable of consenting to the terms of the documentary contract, raising concerns about the portrayal of Williams in the footage.

The filing claims that no one acting in Williams' best interest would allow her to be depicted in a demeaning manner, as shown in the trailer for the documentary titled "Where is Wendy Williams?" Despite being listed as the executive producer, Williams' guardian has requested the court to declare the contract null and void, and to prohibit A&E Television Networks and Entertainment One Reality Productions from releasing the documentary and any associated footage.

Adding further complexity to the situation, Williams' management team recently disclosed that she is currently undergoing treatment for primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, a diagnosis which has raised questions about her ability to make informed decisions. However, a judge dismissed a request for a restraining order to block the airing of the docuseries, citing First Amendment rights, but the lawsuit remains ongoing.

The docuseries, consisting of two parts, has faced backlash from Williams' friends and fans, who argue that it portrays her in a demeaning and undignified manner. Williams' appointed guardian, who filed the lawsuit, is suing A&E, alleging that the contract was signed without proper authorization and that the CEO's signature appears questionable.

Both A&E and Entertainment One Reality Productions, the production company behind the project, have yet to respond to requests for comment. The guardian claims to have been aware of a film crew working on a comeback project with Williams, but was not informed about the contract signing. It was understood that nothing would be released without the guardian's review and final approval.

In an interview, Williams' publicist expressed disagreement with the documentary and criticized the producers for ignoring her concerns. The filing from the guardian emphasizes the exploitation of a vulnerable woman with a serious medical condition for the sake of entertainment value, stating that such actions are unacceptable and should not be allowed.

Wendy Williams, known for hosting "The Wendy Williams Show" from 2008 to 2021, has faced speculation about her health since fainting on live television in 2017. She has been open about her struggles with addiction and sought treatment in the past. Wells Fargo, her bank, previously petitioned for a financial guardianship, alleging her incapacitation and financial exploitation, a claim that Williams has refuted.

As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of the controversial docuseries and its impact on Wendy Williams' reputation remain uncertain.