Andy Cohen is getting torn to shreds by his fans after his tribute to the shock-jock turned television host.
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As previously reported, Williams’ show is ending as producer Debmar-Mercury goes forward with a talk show hosted by Sherri Shepherd.
According to Heavy.com, Cohen dedicated his “Mazel of the Day,” a segment on his show Watch What Happens Live, to Williams, who he called a “friend.”
"Wendy Williams started her career in radio, honing her ability to 'go there' in interviews before taking daytime television by storm. No matter what was happening in the world, Wendy always made us feel like we were sitting at home, gossiping with friends," he said.
“She presented herself as one of us, wasn’t afraid to run toward controversy rather than away from it. Her hot takes on hot topics were always a wild ride. If she wasn’t happy with you, by the way, she would let you know it. But the thing that always made Wendy happy was connecting directly with her audience. When it was time to spill piping hot tea–with a wink and a ‘how you doin’?’ Wendy, you made a very hard job look easy. And we cannot wait to see you back on our screens when you’re feeling up to it. We love you, Wendy Williams. We love you, Wendy.”
While most of his viewers weren't bothered by his tribute, many took to social media to denounce him for supporting Williams, who has been called a toxic bully by many online.
“Wendy has time and again said horrible things about people on her show,” wrote a viewer. “I’m glad her platform for hate is gone.”
“No Andy no. She was a mean gossip,” wrote another. “What goes around comes around. Good riddance.” Another also succinctly wrote, “Toxicity be gone.”
Another viewer also wrote how they always saw Williams “problematic on multiple fronts and toxic” as well as “a horrible person.”
“She’s been particularly unkind to LGBT,” wrote the commenter to Cohen, who is gay. “Why do you support her?”
Williams was reportedly “blindsided” by the announcement of Shepherd’s new show and wants to make a comeback.
However, the official word from her representative is that she understands why Debmar-Mercury needed to go forward with a new television series, saying that more than anyone, Williams "understands the reality of syndicated television-you can't go to the marketplace and sell a show that's the 'Maybe Wendy Show.'"
“She understand why this decision was made from a business point of view, and she has been assured by Debmar-Mercury that should her health get to a point where she can host again, and should her desire be that she hosts again that she would be back on TV at that time,” the representative continued. His words were later denounced by Williams herself in an Instagram story, stating that she didn’t authorize anyone to speak on her behalf.
Shepherd’s show is set to debut in the fall with many of Williams’ prior team in place.
