Wendy Williams & Kevin Hunter: A Talk Show Empire, a Secret Baby, and the Betrayal That Ended It All
He managed her career, fathered a child with his 15-year mistress, and controlled everything — until she finally found the strength to leave
Key Facts
What Happened
Wendy Williams, the legendary daytime talk show host known for her catchphrase 'How you doin?', married Kevin Hunter in 1997. Hunter served as her manager, executive producer of The Wendy Williams Show, and controlled virtually every aspect of her professional and personal life. For over two decades, their partnership appeared unbreakable — but behind the scenes, Hunter maintained a 15-year extramarital affair with a woman named Sharina Hudson. Williams knew about the affair almost from the beginning and even hired a private investigator to document it.
The breaking point came in April 2019 when Hudson gave birth to Hunter's daughter — while he was still married to Williams. The public revelation shattered whatever remained of the marriage. Williams had been battling substance abuse issues, publicly revealing her cocaine addiction and announcing she had been living in a sober house. A 2008 lawsuit by a former employee had already alleged that Hunter physically assaulted Williams, including pinning her against a wall by her throat. Williams filed for divorce in April 2019.
The divorce was finalized in January 2020. Under the settlement, neither party would receive alimony. Williams retained sole ownership of Wendy Inc., their shared production company, while Hunter received a $250,000 lump sum to secure new living arrangements. They agreed to split profits from their New Jersey home upon its sale. Williams maintained a $1 million life insurance policy naming Hunter as beneficiary, with the right to reduce the amount annually.
The aftermath was devastating for Williams. She lost her talk show in 2022 amid health issues, and in 2024, a court-appointed financial guardian was assigned to manage her affairs. Hunter, meanwhile, was reportedly struggling financially — demanding back alimony and claiming Williams had hidden $48 million from him during the divorce. The Williams-Hunter divorce illustrates the devastating intersection of coercive control, addiction, and financial manipulation that traps many people in abusive marriages far longer than they should stay.
Legal Breakdown: Financial Abuse
Coercive Control in Marriage
Hunter's role as Williams' manager gave him financial and professional control over her life — a textbook example of coercive control. When one spouse manages the other's career, they control income, contracts, and professional relationships, creating a power dynamic that makes leaving extremely difficult. Courts increasingly recognize coercive control as a form of domestic violence.
Addiction & Divorce
Williams' substance abuse issues complicated the divorce proceedings and affected her bargaining position. Addiction can impact custody decisions, financial management, and a spouse's ability to advocate for themselves in negotiations. Courts may order rehabilitation as part of divorce proceedings, and a spouse's sobriety can be a factor in custody evaluations.
Hidden Income & Post-Divorce Litigation
Hunter's claim that Williams hid $48 million illustrates how financial disputes can extend well beyond the divorce decree. If a spouse discovers hidden assets after the divorce is finalized, they can petition to reopen the settlement. Fraudulent concealment of assets can result in the defrauding spouse receiving a larger share of the hidden funds as a penalty.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Never let your spouse be your sole business manager with unchecked financial control. Maintain independent access to financial records and retain your own financial advisor.
- →If your spouse has fathered a child outside the marriage, this is grounds for immediate legal action — consult a divorce attorney before confronting them.
- →Addiction does not disqualify you from a fair divorce settlement, but entering treatment before filing demonstrates good faith and strengthens your position.
- →Document everything: the affairs, the abuse, the financial control. Wendy's knowledge of the 15-year affair and her PI's records were crucial to the divorce outcome.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
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