The Katt Williams Interview: How a Radio Confrontation Changed Wanda Smith’s Career

ATLANTA — The recent passing of Atlanta radio personality Wanda Smith at age 58 has reignited discussion about the 2018 on-air confrontation with comedian Katt Williams that many believe altered the trajectory of her decades-long career.

Smith, a fixture on Atlanta’s V103 radio station and co-host of the popular “Frank and Wanda in the Morning” show, passed away just one day after her 58th birthday.

As tributes pour in for the beloved media personality, many industry insiders cannot help but reflect on the infamous 2018 interview that became a pivotal moment in her professional life.

What began as a routine celebrity interview quickly spiraled into an uncomfortable verbal sparring match between Smith and Williams.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Williams was initially hesitant to appear on the show but was persuaded by Smith.

The confrontation escalated when Smith allegedly veered from agreed-upon interview topics, including questions about Williams’ children and legal troubles. The comedian responded with a series of personal jabs about Smith’s appearance, jewelry, and comedic abilities.

“It wasn’t a roast, it was a cremation,” read one viewer comment on the interview that subsequently went viral, amassing millions of views across social media platforms.

The consequences of the interview extended beyond the studio. Later that day, an altercation occurred at the Atlanta Comedy Theater when Smith’s husband reportedly confronted Williams, allegedly brandishing a weapon. Williams declined to press charges in the incident.

Less than a year later, Smith and V103 parted ways after more than two decades of collaboration. Her colleague, identified as Miss Sophia in reports, suggested the separation may have been connected to the Williams incident.

“You all know that we have in our contract we can’t bring any embarrassment or shame to the employer that we’re working for,” Miss Sophia reportedly stated, referencing standard clauses in media contracts.

Following her departure from V103, Smith maintained a lower profile, occasionally performing stand-up comedy for dedicated fans. A brief announcement in 2020 suggested she would join Rickey Smiley’s radio program, but the collaboration never materialized publicly.

Frank Ski, Smith’s longtime co-host, expressed shock at news of her passing, revealing Smith had become increasingly private in recent years.

“She was so private that myself, Rickey Smiley, and others wanted to do a fundraiser for her and she shut it down,” Ski stated, noting that Smith had kept details of her illness confidential.

Smith’s passing has prompted renewed debate about the incident’s lasting impact on her career and mental well-being. Some industry observers question whether the viral confrontation unfairly overshadowed Smith’s substantial contributions to Atlanta’s entertainment landscape.

Before the 2018 incident, Smith had built an impressive résumé that included writing for shows like “Def Comedy Jam” and BET’s “Comic View,” along with appearances in several films.

As the radio community mourns Smith’s loss, her legacy remains complex – a talented entertainer whose final years were marked by a retreat from the spotlight following a single controversial broadcast moment that changed everything.

This article examines the complex relationship between viral media moments and their lasting professional consequences. The station has not officially confirmed any connection between Smith’s departure and the Williams incident.