Wendy Williams speaks out after viewer concerns about her behaviour: 'I'm not perfect'

Host told viewers: ‘You’re a tough crowd’ 

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Tuesday 27 October 2020 17:01 EDT
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Wendy Williams addresses fan concerns about behaviour on-air

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Wendy Williams has seemingly addressed concerns about her behaviour while thanking fans for their support on her talk-show.

On Monday, the host of The Wendy Williams Show opened the show with a statement about the effort that goes into each day.

“I always say I love you for watching because I really, really do," she said. "You know, I come here every day and I try to do the best that I can for you. I appreciate you watching, but it's, you know, even after all of these years, it's still work. You know, an effort put in for the hour that I'm out here with you."

Williams then acknowledged that every day is not “perfect,” and that she is “not perfect,” but that she loves entertaining her viewers.

“I guess every day is not perfect, but I’m not a perfectionist. I’m not perfect,” she continued. “But I do appreciate you putting in the effort to watch us and I love entertaining you, you know? It's not easy.

“It is not easy. You're a tough crowd."

While the 56-year-old did not give a reason for her statement, the monologue came after fans expressed concerns over her health following an episode last week during which Williams mispronounced Adele’s name and took several long pauses.

“You can't keep airing this show when she is in this state. It's not responsible and damaging,” one person commented on YouTube following the 23 October episode.

Another said: “She is unwell and should not be on TV in this condition.”

Following the episode, the show’s former DJ, DJ Boof, also commented on the host’s behaviour in a since-deleted Instagram comment that was captured through screenshot. 

After one viewer hypothesised that Williams’ behaviour was the reason he left the show, DJ Boof responded: “Yup exactly and it will all come out. Y'all have no idea what's really going on and everyone there is afraid to speak up because they don't wanna lose their jobs...this is going to play out bad...I feel sorry for the workers and victims. Have a blessed day."

Williams’ statement came after she took a hiatus from the show earlier this year to deal with health issues resulting from her Graves’ disease.

“Recently, Wendy has been dealing with symptoms from her Graves’ disease which is causing fatigue,” a spokesperson for The Wendy Williams Show told The Independent at the time. “In consultation with her doctor and as a precautionary measure, she will be taking some time off as she continues to receive treatment.”

The Independent has contacted The Wendy Williams Show for comment.

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