Wendy Williams has tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in the postponement of the season 13 premiere of “The Wendy Williams Show.” This breakthrough infection, occurring despite Williams being vaccinated, has led to a delay of at least two weeks for the popular daytime talk show’s return.
The announcement was made via an Instagram post on Wednesday, stating, “While continuing her health evaluations, Wendy has tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19. To allow Wendy time to quarantine and fully recover, and to ensure that production can proceed safely, we expect to begin the 13th season of ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ to begin on Monday, October 4th.”
This news comes shortly after a previous announcement just five days prior, which indicated that Williams, 57, was experiencing ongoing health issues that would prevent her from participating in promotional activities for the upcoming season. The premiere was initially scheduled for September 20th, but fans will now see reruns of previous seasons until Williams is able to return.
Wendy Williams, talk show host, pictured in promotional shot
Breakthrough infections, like Wendy Williams’ COVID diagnosis, are cases of COVID-19 in individuals who have been fully vaccinated. While vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing infection. Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have indicated that the effectiveness of vaccines can decrease over time, and with the emergence of variants like Delta, breakthrough infections have become more common.
Previously, “The Wendy Williams Show” had to adapt its production at the start of the pandemic, transitioning to remote broadcasting from Williams’ home for a period of two months. Even with these changes, Williams emphasized her commitment to her audience. “The pandemic does not affect how we do our show. When I get out there and there’s no audience and there’s no co-host, it doesn’t matter,” Williams told USA TODAY last September. She reassured fans that they could expect “the same Wendy, same giggle, same show.”
In May 2020, Williams also took a break from her at-home broadcasts due to fatigue related to Graves’ disease, a pre-existing condition she has spoken about publicly. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland and can cause a range of symptoms, impacting overall health and energy levels.
Wendy Williams’ COVID diagnosis adds another layer of health challenges she has faced. As she focuses on recovery, viewers await the return of “The Wendy Williams Show” on the rescheduled premiere date.
