Why Wendy Williams Reportedly Fired Attorney Amid #FreeWendy Battle

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Wendy Williams is shaking up her legal team as she continues her fight for freedom from her guardianship.

The former talk show host, 60, has reportedly fired her court-appointed attorney, Linda Redlisky, amid her ongoing battle to have her guardianship trial heard by a jury, as reported by TMZ on Wednesday, January 29. Sources close to the situation told the outlet that Williams decided to part ways with Redlisky after the attorney failed to file necessary paperwork to move forward with the trial.

TV personality Wendy Williams attends the 2019 NYWIFT Muse Awards at the New York Hilton Midtown on December 10, 2019 in New York City. Lars Niki/Getty Images for New York Women in Film & Television

This dramatic legal shift comes just weeks after Williams' family stated they were searching for a more reputable attorney to represent her in the complex case. Previously, Williams claimed she had never even met her court-appointed guardianship attorney, Robert Kaplan, who had argued that she needed lifelong care due to her diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia.

The media personality, who currently resides in a New York City assisted-living facility, likened her living situation to a luxury "prison." "I'm in this place where the people are in their 90s and their 80s and their 70s. There's something wrong with these people here on this floor," she shared during a call to The Breakfast Club on Thursday, January 16. She also called the treatment "emotional abuse" and that the "system is broken."

Wendy Williams attends a private dinner at Fresco By Scotto on February 21, 2023 in New York City. Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Amid Williams' ongoing legal and financial struggles, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support her in her fight for independence. Part of the broader "#FreeWendy" movement, the funds raised are intended to help the former Wendy Williams Show star secure the legal representation needed to challenge her guardianship and regain control over her assets and has raised over $30,000 so far. This comes after William's claimed on The Breakfast Club that she has little money to her name at the moment due to her guardian, Sabrina Morrisey, having control over her finances. "I have $15. I have $15. What does that do? ... My money is in prison," Williams said.

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