Wendy Williams under fire for insensitive joke about Amie Harwick death
The chat show host made a ‘Price is Right’ joke about the death of Drew Carey’s ex-fiancee Amie Harwick
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Wendy Williams has come under fire for making an insensitive joke about the death of Drew Carey’s ex-fiancee, sex therapist Amie Harwick.
Harwick was found dead outside her home in the Hollywood Hills on Saturday morning (February 15). Police said her death was caused by injuries “consistent with a fall”.
During Monday’s (February 17) episode of The Wendy Williams Show, the presenter told the audience about the death of Harwick: “She was killed... not by Drew, but by the ex”. Williams then went on to use Carey’s catch-phrase from The Price is Right: “Come on down”.
William’s audience was heard groaning in response to the joke.
The talk show presenter then called out her “lawyer lady” for putting “allegedly” in her copy, adding: “This story is everywhere.”
One of Williams’ producers added: “The ex-boyfriend hasn’t been convicted,” referring to Harwick’s ex-boyfriend, Gareth Pursehouse, who was arrested for Harwick’s murder on Sunday.
Harwick dated Pursehouse, 42, before filing a restraining order against him. Police confirmed on Sunday (16 February) that Harwick’s restraining order against him had expired at the time of her death.
Fans took to Twitter to voice their outrage at William’s comments. One wrote: “I KNOW #WendyWilliams did NOT just make a “come on down” joke about Drew Carey’s ex-fiancee getting killed by being thrown off a third floor balcony!!! Somebody tell me I heard that wrong, please.. but the audience is stone-cold quiet.”
Another added: “Did @WendyWilliams really just “joke” like that about Drew Carey’s ex? Disgraceful,” adding her behaviour was “very disgraceful” and “she should be thrown off the air”.
Harwick’s ex-fiancee Carey is said to be “overcome with grief” at the news of her passing.
Wendy Williams recently sparked a backlash after telling gay men to: “stop wearing our skirts and heels” because, she argued, women don’t have anything that’s just for them.
In January she was criticised for mocking Joaquin Phoenix’s cleft palate.