Atlanta Radio Star Wanda Smith’s Legacy Defended by Fans After Katt Williams Interview Returns After Her Death

With the death of comedian and radio personality Wanda Smith on Saturday, October 12, 2024, fans have begun to recall among the legendary personality’s most memorable moments on the airwaves.

Smith was best often called co-host of “Frank & Wanda in the Morning Show” on V-103 in Atlanta, where she appeared alongside Frank Ski from 1998 to 2012. Radio presenter Ryan Cameron worked with Smith in 2014 before Ski rejoined the series in 2018.

One of probably the most viral interviews on her radio show was the infamous 2018 interview with comedian Katt Williams. Williams was V-103’s morning guest while promoting his show at The Comedy Theater in Norcross. What began as competitive banter between two seasoned comedians quickly became a verbal altercation.

“My hair is 19 inches long and I don’t have a perm… Come on, when you’re on the air, run one of your gnarly fingers through it so they can hear you lying,” Williams said after Smith took a dig on the comedian’s outfit and referred to it as rapper Lil Mama.

With her death, the video got here to light, and several other fans got here to Smith’s defense, arguing that the moment didn’t quantify her legacy.

One User X posted: “#WandaSmith She ought to be remembered as a wife, mother and comedian. #kattwilliams never went back to that moment because he moved on. The remainder of the stress was caused by the group on social media. #Tear.”

Other fan shared their memories of Smith, who was the soundtrack to their mornings for over 17 years. “I prayed for the reappearance of @WandaSmith_ATL, who took me to high school on the morning show from 2018-2001. I pray she knows she is loved and that we appreciate her.”

“RIP my condolences to her husband, children and the rest of her family,” said one in all many individuals who found“She was more than just a Katt Williams roast.”

There’s no denying that many individuals outside of Atlanta got here to know Smith through Williams’ passionate interview and the way he ultimately modified the trajectory of their careers.

The heated exchange escalated the next week when Williams showed up at an event where Smith was performing. There, her husband, Lamorris Sellers, decided to confront the “Next Friday” actor on his wife’s behalf.

According to 11Alive, Williams told police that Sellers pointed a gun at him and pointed it in his face. The salespeople admitted to chasing Williams and his bodyguards into a close-by parking zone after the fight began. He told authorities he did have a gun on him, but “it fell out of his waistband while he was chasing Williams, so he stopped to retrieve it.” Sellers claimed he didn’t point the gun at Williams.

Several people cited the alleged gun incident, saying Smith sent her husband and son there to examine on Williams after the roast.

However, One fan cleared up some misinformation about Smith intentionally sending his family to attack Williams. “She didn’t send anyone to kill this man. Wanda performed on the event and her family was there to support her. Katt didn’t perform, just to indicate support for Red Grant. Just say anything here.

The difficult situation ultimately led to V-103 turning over its documents to Smith 4 months later.

Although many listeners felt the radio station was unsupportive of Smith within the aftermath of the interview, it honored her nonetheless. They shared an official statement via Instagram from Vice President and Market Manager Rick Caffey honoring the legendary radio host.

“Our hearts grow heavier today as we mourn the lack of our beloved Wanda Smith, someone who all the time made us smile and who was an enormous a part of V-103 over time. We offer our sincerest prayers and condolences to her family,” the radio station began in its post.

“In her role on V-103, which dates back to 1997, Wanda Smith has brought so much joy and caring while serving the Atlanta community. Wanda’s impact not only made us laugh, but also touched other people’s lives… Many times she advocated behind the scenes efforts to change the lives of those who were without. Rest in peace Wanda, taking your place among the stars. We will miss you.”

The post informed fans that they might be honoring Smith on Sunday Morning Praise with Larry Tinsley and encouraged them to “tune in and then call” to pay their respects and share stories about Smith’s impact on Atlanta. In addition to appearing on the airwaves for over twenty years, Smith also had several acting roles, including within the Tyler Perry movies “Madea Goes to Jail” and “Madea’s Witness Protection,” and founded the nonprofit organization for teens, Girls Stand Together , Inc.

With the announcement of Smith’s death, celebrities and media personalities took to social media to precise their condolences.

Tiny Harris shared her feelings within the V-103 post. “So sad! Wanda played an important role in my musical radio journey and the legend of Atlanta radio. She will be missed.”

Singer and radio presenter Sunshine Anderson said she was “very sorry to hear this news”.

Tamar Braxton also paid tribute to the Miami native, commenting, “Rest in peace,” after which mentioning that Smith died the day after her birthday.

Smith, 58, leaves behind a husband and three children.