Suit Brings Allegations of Lack of Consent and Capacity, Public Humiliation, and Fraud
A lawsuit now pending in New York federal court highlights the importance that estate planners and estate attorneys remain vigilant to prevent the financial exploitation of their impaired clients and even their guardians.
Sabrina Morrissey, the court-appointed guardian for popular television and radio personality Wendy Williams, has sued A&E Television Networks, Lifetime Entertainment Services, EOne Productions, and Creature Films, along with executive producer Mark Ford, over the documentary "Where is Wendy Williams?" that aired in February 2024 (Morrissey v. A&E Television Networks, LLC. et al., No. 1:24-cv-07856, S.D.N.Y.).
The amended complaint alleges that the defendants took advantage of Ms. Williams while she was medically and legally incapacitated due to her diagnosed frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia. The suit says that, despite her obvious incapacity, the defendants proceeded with filming her, exploiting her illnesses for "entertainment value" and destroying her image and future earning power by portraying her in a highly degrading and humiliating manner.
The lawsuit asserts that the defendants earned millions of dollars from the documentary, while Ms. Williams received only $82,000. Morrissey also claims that Ms. Williams' signature on her contract with eOne to produce the series "does not appear to be genuine" and there is "no evidence" that she signed the agreement on January 25, 2023.
The defendants have asked for extra time to file their answers to the complaint.
Filed in federal court in Manhattan, the amended complaint brings these claims against the defendants:
- Exploitation
- Lack of Consent and Capacity
- False Representations
- Unauthorized Contract
- Public Humiliation
- Unjust Enrichment
- False Endorsement
- Fraud
The case serves as a reminder to trust and estate attorneys to monitor the conduct and influence individuals in a client’s orbit may have on their decisions. This is especially true when assets are being managed for the benefit of vulnerable individuals, such as Wendy Williams, who are unable to consent or even understand the consequences of their actions.
Additional Reading
Professionals who work to protect the assets of impaired clients can take proactive measures to stop financial exploitation. To assist estate attorneys and planners in this mission across the country, The Estate Lawyers has prepared a paper titled Undue Influence: Protecting Clients and Their Estates by Amy Gostanian, Managing Partner. In the article, she describes undue influence and steps you can take to thwart financial exploitation.
Complete this form and download the paper now!