Wendy Williams

Before announcing that 19-year-old TikTok creator Swavy had been killed, Williams compared their follower counts, asked the audience whether they knew him and said nobody on her team knew who he was. The tone sparked strong outrage and condemnation from his family.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Williams commented on Joaquin Phoenix's scar, incorrectly describing it as a cleft lip and pulling her own lip with a finger, a gesture condemned as mocking people born with cleft lip and palate.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Williams told gay men to stop wearing "our skirts and heels" and said they would never be women, provoking a strong reaction from the public and LGBTQ+ organisations.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Discussing Amie Harwick's death, Williams used the phrase "Come on down" from The Price Is Right and mimed a fall, widely interpreted as a joke about the circumstances of the death. Harwick's brother requested a public apology.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Discussing two men who accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them as children, Williams prompted criticism by suggesting an attempt to make money and distinguishing allegations she said she believed from those she considered false.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Williams called Christie Brinkley's injury, which forced her to withdraw from Dancing With the Stars, "fake as hell" and speculated that she had arranged her withdrawal so her daughter could participate.

State of the evidence

Denied by the person

Attribution

Directly implicated

During Keke Palmer's appearance, Williams questioned the actress about her dispute with Trey Songz. Palmer criticised her for an insufficiently compassionate approach that she considered accusatory and mocking towards a woman describing sexual intimidation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

After Terry Crews publicly described being sexually assaulted, Williams faced criticism for saying he was not "brave" and was merely speaking about his experience.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Discussing a Beyoncé documentary, Williams said she would need subtitles because the singer "can't talk" and sounded as though she had a "fifth-grade education", while describing herself as a fan.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Williams revealed on WBLS that Tamika Smith, Method Man's wife, had cancer. Method Man condemned the disclosure as a serious invasion of privacy, explaining that some family members had not even been informed and his wife was receiving chemotherapy.

State of the evidence

Confirmed

Attribution

Directly implicated

Williams's interview with Whitney Houston became emblematic of her style: she repeatedly questioned the singer about drug use, her marriage and her finances, producing a particularly tense exchange.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Williams acknowledged broadcasting a Daily News report alleging that Tupac Shakur had been raped in prison. She later said her station had removed her from the air for 24 hours without pay.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Directly implicated