Wendy Williams and publicist Shawn Zanotti are firing back at her longtime spokesperson, Howard Bragman, in a war of words.
According to The Jasmine Brand, Williams and Zanotti are angry with how Bragman characterized Williams’ current predicament with her producer, Debmar-Mercury, who have decided to move forward with a new talk show starring Sherri Shepherd.
Zanotti said that Bragman's statements about Williams understanding the producer can't sell "the Maybe Wendy Show" were "not in the best interest of Wendy."
“The statement that as put out by the guy Howard was not in the best interest of Wendy. You wouldn’t refer to your client’s show as the ‘Maybe Wendy Show,’ which was shade directed towards Wendy,” he wrote. “…To go further go on to question the validity of her verified IG page, is even more proof that this was not in the best interest of Wendy–knowing he hasn’t spoken to her.”
“His social media resopnse is additional evidence that he hasn’t had any recent communication with her by saying, ‘so WHEN my old friend Wendy FaceTImes me personally,'” she added. “It comes off as a bullying tactic and a forced response just to be a part of the conversation which shows it’s more about him than about Wendy.”
"The focus right now should not be on the public shaming of Wendy Williams or the production company making a decision from 'a business point of view'…It should be on uplifting her while she is going through a very human experience," she continued. "So, please send prayers and positivity to Wendy and her legal team who have bigger fish to fry!"
Williams spoke out about Bragman’s statements herself in an Instagram story, writing, “Mr. Bragman, although I appreciate your concerns and respect you immensely I have not authorized you to make any statements on my behalf regarding my current status with Debmar Mercury. Again thanks for your continuing concern and support.”
Current The Wendy Williams Show guest co-host Sherri Shepherd will take over Williams former time slot with a new show, Sherri, which is from most of the same production team.