The Untold Story Of Wendy Williams' Siblings: Who Are Wanda Finnie And Tommy Williams Jr. And Their Fight To 'Free Wendy'
The tumultuous life and current health crisis of media icon Wendy Williams have pulled her previously private family directly into the public spotlight. As of late 2024 and throughout 2025, her older sister, Wanda Finnie, and younger brother, Thomas "Tommy" Williams Jr., have become the primary voices advocating for the former talk show host, offering rare updates and challenging the court-appointed guardianship (conservatorship) that controls her life and finances. Their actions, fueled by their sister's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and aphasia, reveal a tight-knit family unit fighting fiercely behind the scenes against a complex legal system to restore Williams' autonomy.
This deep dive explores the lives of Wanda and Tommy Williams, detailing their professional backgrounds, their relationship with the "Queen of All Media," and the latest developments in their ongoing mission to bring their sister home to Florida and end her conservatorship. The family's public statements, often delivered through Tommy's YouTube channel and interviews, provide the freshest and most intimate perspective on Wendy's current condition.
Complete Biography and Profile of the Williams Siblings
Wendy Williams is one of three children born to Shirley Skinner and Thomas Dwayne Williams Sr., who were both educators. The family was raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey, providing a stable, middle-class upbringing for the future star and her siblings. The Williams family unit is composed of:
- Mother: Shirley Skinner Williams (Retired Teacher)
- Father: Thomas Dwayne Williams Sr. (Retired Teacher)
- Older Sister: Wanda Finnie (née Williams)
- Younger Brother: Thomas "Tommy" Williams Jr.
- The Star: Wendy Joan Williams Hunter (born July 18, 1964)
Wanda Williams Finnie: The Pillar of Philanthropy
Wanda Finnie, the older sister, has maintained a lower profile than her brother but is a significant figure in her own right. She is known professionally as Wanda Finnie and currently resides in Florida, near her brother.
- Role in the Family: Older sister, a source of stability and concern.
- Professional Career: Wanda is a dedicated executive in the non-profit sector. She serves as the Executive Director for Casa Valentina, a Miami-based philanthropic organization. Casa Valentina is focused on providing housing and essential support services to at-risk youth and young adults who have aged out of the foster care system, demonstrating a deep commitment to community service.
- Family Life: Wanda is a mother of two children. Her daughter, Alex Finnie, has also become a public voice for the family. Alex Finnie is a Local 10 journalist in Miami and has appeared on national programs like "The View" to discuss her aunt’s health struggles.
- Current Stance: Wanda has publicly expressed her frustration with the guardianship, stating that the people who love Wendy "cannot see her" and that communication was "cut off" after the court-ordered conservatorship began in 2022.
Thomas "Tommy" Williams Jr.: The Public Advocate and Truth-Teller
Thomas Williams Jr., known as Tommy, is Wendy's younger brother. He has been the most visible and vocal member of the family, using his platform to provide updates and fight the legal status of his sister.
- Role in the Family: Younger brother and primary public advocate.
- Professional/Public Role: Tommy runs a popular YouTube channel where he frequently shares vlogs and updates on his sister's condition, the family's efforts, and the guardianship battle. He has been featured in major news outlets, including CNN and NewsNation, giving recent interviews in early 2025.
- "Free Wendy" Campaign: Tommy has taken a direct, activist approach to the situation. He has been selling "Free Wendy" merchandise as part of his public efforts to bring awareness to her plight and move her to Florida, where her immediate family resides.
- Current Stance: Tommy is a staunch opponent of the conservatorship, telling CNN in January 2025 that the family is fighting to end it and that Wendy is "solid in her thoughts." He also expressed strong disapproval of the recent Lifetime documentary, "Where Is Wendy Williams?", feeling it did not accurately represent the situation.
The Fight for Guardianship and the FTD Diagnosis
The siblings' public involvement intensified dramatically following the news of Wendy's health decline and the subsequent court-ordered guardianship, which began in 2022. The family's intention is to ensure Wendy receives the best care while fighting for her right to manage her own life and finances, an effort that has captivated the public.
In February 2024, the family confirmed that Wendy had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the same condition affecting Bruce Willis. This diagnosis helped explain the cognitive issues and behavioral changes that led to the end of her talk show. The family’s transparency in sharing this news was a significant step toward controlling the narrative and dispelling rumors about their sister's condition.
The siblings' main point of contention is the conservatorship, which they believe is preventing them from having regular, meaningful contact with Wendy. Tommy and Wanda have repeatedly stated that they want their sister to be released from the court's control and brought to Florida to be close to her family, including their parents, Shirley and Thomas Sr., and Wendy's son, Kevin Hunter Jr.
Family Unity Amidst Public Scrutiny and Media Coverage
Despite the intense media scrutiny and the sensitive nature of their sister's health, the Williams siblings have presented a united front. Their efforts highlight a deep-seated commitment to their family bond, a theme that resonates strongly with fans who have followed Wendy's career for decades. They have been open about their struggles to communicate with Wendy, even as she was spotted in good spirits at a New York City eatery in late 2024.
The family's decision to participate in the documentary and give interviews was a calculated risk, intended to shed light on the reality of her situation and the challenges they face dealing with the legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey. Tommy, in particular, has used his YouTube platform to provide a continuous stream of updates, acting as a crucial bridge between the private reality of Wendy's life and the public's intense curiosity. His consistent advocacy, including the "Free Wendy" merchandise, frames the struggle not just as a health crisis, but as a fight for her personal freedom.
The involvement of niece Alex Finnie, a professional journalist, adds another layer of credibility to the family's public appeals. Her perspective, as a younger family member, underscores the multi-generational impact of Wendy's illness and the family's collective desire for her well-being.
What’s Next for the Williams Family in 2025
As of late 2025, the legal battle over Wendy Williams' guardianship continues, with her siblings remaining at the forefront of the fight. Tommy Williams Jr. has confirmed that the family is persistent in their legal efforts to have the conservatorship terminated. The family hopes to gain legal control to better manage her care, focusing on a more permanent arrangement that allows her to be closer to her loved ones in Florida.
The ongoing support from Wanda, Tommy, and Alex Finnie is crucial, especially following the public disclosure of Wendy's FTD and aphasia diagnoses. Their commitment to her well-being, their willingness to speak out, and their professional backgrounds—Wanda’s executive leadership and Tommy’s public advocacy—position them as the essential figures in this complex and heart-wrenching family drama. The world continues to watch the Williams family, hoping their efforts will lead to a positive resolution for the beloved media personality.
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