Inside Wendy Williams' Tumultuous Relationship With Ex Kevin Hunter
Wendy Williams and ex Kevin Hunter
Daytime talk show host Wendy Williams has been an open book when it comes to her personal life, including her addiction struggles and health issues, which have recently advanced to include dementia and aphasia. Her two-decade marriage and messy divorce from ex-husband and former manager Kevin Hunter has long been a hot tabloid topic.
From the beginning of their romance in 1994 to welcoming their son Kevin Jr. in 2000, Williams and Hunter's relationship has seen its fair share of ups and downs. After more than 20 years together, Williams ultimately filed for divorce in 2019 following reports of Hunter fathering a child with his mistress.
Despite their bitter divorce being finalized in 2020, Williams and Hunter continue to be connected through their son, Kevin Jr., who has publicly expressed concern regarding his famous mother's well-being. Williams' tumultuous history with Hunter and close bond with their son have remained in the public eye.
Read on for more details about Williams' ex husband and the child they share.
Related: Everything We Know About Wendy Williams' Health
Is Wendy Williams still married to Kevin Hunter?
No, Williams filed for divorce from Hunter in April 2019 after more than 20 years of marriage. Their divorce was finalized in January 2020.
When did Wendy Williams get married?
Williams married Hunter on Nov. 30, 1999 in a civil ceremony in Jersey City, New Jersey.
When did Wendy Williams and Kevin Hunter get divorced?
Williams filed for divorce in April 2019 and it was finalized in January 2020.
In 2021, Williams told Business Insider she had been planning for divorce for almost two decades.
"I went into the delivery room knowing in my mind, 'I'm planning my divorce,'" she shared. "Kevin was a serial cheat. He cheated when I dated him. He cheated when I married him. He cheated while I was on bed rest during the entire nine months of me being pregnant."
She continued: "I couldn't [leave] because the bigger the talk show got, and the more I would look into my son's eyes ... the more I decided to give of myself and I figured I'd get it on the back end, so to speak.”
Years prior to the dissolution of their marriage, however, Williams took a more defensive approach. In 2017, for example, she denied reports that her the husband had been cheating on her with a massage therapist. “You can believe what you want,” she said on her show, flashing her wedding ring. “I stand by my guy.”
Where did Wendy Williams meet Kevin Hunter?
Williams met Hunter in 1994 at an ice skating rink. Hunter owned a beauty parlor at the time and although he had no prior experience in show business, he started working as Williams’ manager and production partner, helping launch her eponymous talk show and becoming an executive producer on it.
Why did Wendy Williams and Kevin Hunter get divorced?
Williams divorced Hunter after reports surfaced that he had fathered a child with his alleged mistress.
Hunter was also accused of cheating, sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment and abuse. In 2008, a lawsuit filed by Nicole Spence, a former employee of Wendy Williams' radio show "The Wendy Williams Experience," included allegations against Kevin Hunter of abusive and harassing behavior. The lawsuit claimed that Hunter sexually harassed Spence and created a hostile work environment. It also alleged that Spence witnessed Hunter physically assault Williams on at least one occasion. Specifically, the complaint stated that Hunter entered the studio, demanded other employees leave, then proceeded to pin Williams against the wall with his hand around her neck, choking her while punching the wall near her head. The case was reportedly settled in October 2008.
Does Wendy Williams have children?
Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic
Yes, Williams and Hunter have one son together, Kevin Hunter, Jr., born in 2000.
What did Kevin Hunter do for a living?
Hunter worked as Williams' manager and agent throughout their marriage. However, when the divorce was initiated by Williams, Hunter was fired as EP of her show.
What is Kevin Hunter doing now?
After divorcing Williams, Hunter appears to have launched his own production company in 2020. It is unclear whether it’s still up and running today.
Does Wendy Williams still have to pay Kevin Hunter?
No. After their divorce, Hunter had been receiving alimony payments, reportedly in the ballpark of $250,000 a month, from Williams. However, in May 2022, Wells Fargo claimed Williams was an "incapacitated person" and obtained financial guardianship over her.
As reported by the Hollywood Reporter, Wells Fargo alleged Williams was the "victim of undue influence and financial exploitation." Due to her finances being controlled, Hunter's alimony payments were cut off.
In 2023, Hunter attempted to fight this and get the alimony reinstated. But according to Black Enterprise, a judge ultimately denied his request. With no more alimony income, Hunter was forced to sell his Florida home that same year.
Is Kevin Hunter in the new Wendy Williams documentary?
It appears he’s not, but their son, Kevin Hunter Jr., is featured in the new Lifetime documentary, Where is Wendy Williams?, expressing concern for his mom.
Her team announced on Feb. 22, 2024 that she's been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia as well as aphasia.
“As Wendy’s fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health," the team stated in a press release.
“Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires."
