Talk show star Wendy Williams is at risk of defaulting on her mortgage and leaving her employees without pay after Wells Fargo Advisors froze access to her accounts, according to court documents.
While the money manager said it believed Williams, 57, was being financially exploited, Williams has filed a petition in New York state court asking a judge for an injunction that would give her control again over accounts worth several million dollars.
"Until Wells Fargo reopens my personal, business, deferred compensation, and investment accounts, unfreezes my financial assets, my family and I are at risk of suffering continued irreparable financial harm," Williams said in court papers.
The legal battle over her finances comes as Williams is struggling with medical issues. Producers reportedly have plans for her eponymous series to move on with a new host.
Williams last appeared on "The Wendy Williams Show" to close out its 12th season in July 2021.
In her petition for an emergency injunction filed Feb. 4, Williams' lawyers said the talk show host lost access to her accounts after Wells Fargo financial adviser Lori Schiller said Williams was not able to manage her finances.
Williams fired Schiller and alleged improper conduct in their professional relationship, the court papers said, but Wells Fargo has continued to deny Williams access to her financial assets and statements, even as bills are coming due.
In its response, Wells Fargo said regulators have increasingly urged finance companies to beware of possible exploitation of their clients.