Five Things You Didn’t Know About The Wendy Williams Show

The Wendy Williams Show has taken the world by storm since its debut in 2008.  Williams, who had already gained a reputation for being a radio shock-jock, brought her no-holds-barred interview style with her to TV.  The show has allowed fans to put a face with Williams’ already infamous name and voice.  Although she has made more than her fair share of enemies throughout her career, The Wendy Williams Show has welcomed a number of famous guests including Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry.  Now in its sixth season, the show will reach its 1000th episode this year; however, as with any other show, there are many things that take place behind the scenes.  Here are five things you didn’t know about The Wendy Williams Show. 

5. Wendy Williams’ husband is an executive producer for The Wendy Williams Show.

In 1997, Wendy Williams married Kevin Hunter who has since become her manager.  Aside from managing Williams’ career, Hunter is also one of the executive produces of The Wendy Williams Show. According to several reports, Hunter is actually the one in charge of the show.  Although many Williams fans may find it hard to believe, an inside source has revealed “[on] “The Wendy Williams Show,” she [Wendy Williams] is a strong, confident woman who isn’t afraid of saying exactly what’s on her mind — even if it’s dissing Beyoncé. But off camera, her husband, Kevin Hunter, is the real boss. Kevin makes all the decisions and has become more and more controlling as the show has become a success…He insists that all show questions be run by him.” However, the idea that Hunt is calling all the shots in regards to The Wendy Williams Show is trouble to some viewers.  Hunt has a reputation of not always doing the right thing when it comes to his wife.

4. The Wendy Williams Show has its own online store.

Since it first aired in 2008, The Wendy Williams show has become a huge success.  The Wendy Williams Show now has its own online store where fans can purchase show related paraphernalia.  The store’s items range from mugs, to pocket fans, to pajamas pants.

3. Tall women are not welcome on The Wendy Williams Show

According to reports, show host, Wendy Williams, has a very strict rule when it comes to her talk show: she doesn’t want any women around who are taller (or funniest) than her. Several sources have alleged that Williams has eliminated people from her show after feeling uncomfortable with their height.   One source reports: “One woman who was on once was never invited back, because the woman was actually taller than Wendy…The woman is smart and well-spoken, but Wendy’s producers said no one taller than Wendy [who’s listed as being 6 feet) is allowed to come on because she doesn’t like it. Apparently you can be pretty, but not pretty and tall. Wendy needs to be the tallest lady on set at all times. Plus, if you are funny — forget it. She also prefers men, because she gels with them better.”  The source also added that Williams has a difficult time getting along with females in general, and is more likely to be seen spending time with her male friends and co-workers.

2. The Wendy Williams Show isn’t Wendy’s first talk show.

Although the show has helped Wendy Williams achieve mainstream success,  The Wendy Williams Show isn’t Williams’ first attempt at hosting a talk-show.  Before embarking on a career in television, Williams was a radio DJ who hosted her on talk shows.  As with her TV persona, Williams’ radio hosting style was very controversial, and it ultimately resulted in her being fired from New York’s HOT 97 in 1998.  However, Williams returned to New York radio in 2001 and The New York Times stated: “show works best when its elements – confessional paired with snarkiness – are conflated.”  While on the radio, Williams was involved in several controversial situations with some of the industry’s biggest names.  In 2003, Williams received a lot of attention after an interview with the late Whitney Houston led to a heated discussion in which Houston said that If this were back in the day in Newark, I’d meet you outside.”  Although Williams often received negative attention int regards to her dealings with celebrities, she continued to work in radio until launching her TV talk show in 2008.

1. Wendy Williams Show interns have allegedly been overworked.

In 2014, a former intern of The Wendy Williams Show field a lawsuit against the show’s production company and distributor accusing the show of overworking its interns.  The complaint suggested that the show was using free interns to do work that should have been done by full-time employees.  These duties included, “washing dishes, getting coffee, picking up art supplies, stocking printers, throwing out garbage, and creating a tape library.” The complaint also stated that the interns did not receive any sort of useful academic training.

(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)