Montel's kids say they feel ignored by dad

The heartbroken children of former talk show host Montel Williams have come forward to complain the TV star has all but abandoned them amid a bitter custody battle, the New York Daily News reported Sunday.

Williams, who styles himself as an inspirational guru, is locked in a 10-year fight with his ex-wife over son Montel, 16, and daughter Wyntergrace, 14.

The Connecticut teens say the talk-show host has turned his back on them - paying $18,700 a month in child support while depriving them of the emotional support they crave.

"My dad is now like a stranger," Wyntergrace, who turns 15 this week, told the Daily News.
"Everyone knows him as a great guy, but he's not making the best choices as a parent."

Williams, 53, is a former military man who won Emmys hosting his daytime show, which heavily promoted the importance of family and social responsibility.

These days, he hosts a radio show, writes change-your-life memoirs and hawks a series of products under the name "Living Well."

Meanwhile, his children say his public persona doesn't jibe with their personal pain - and they are asking that Williams either take an active role in their lives or let their mom make all the decisions.

"I wouldn't say I really have a relationship with my dad," the younger Montel said. "He's not in my life right now. It's his choice.

"I eat every night. I'm comfortable, but I can't say I have him as a father," he added. "There's all this fighting over things that shouldn't be a fight, like paying for my PSAT."

Wyntergrace has seen him four times in five years and their last meeting - a therapy session in September - was a disaster.

"He walked in already mad. He said he thought we were going to dinner, but my e-mail clearly said we were going to see my therapist," she said.

"It was intimidating. I was thinking, 'Why should I talk if I'm just going to get yelled at?'"

Williams and Grace Morley divorced in 2000, a year after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The exes have joint custody, with the kids living full-time with their mom.

Morley is pushing for full custody, while Williams is trying to hold on to decision-making power.
In a statement, he declined to answer questions.

"I love my children very much. I do not believe parenting is best done in a public forum and I will not comment on ongoing legal action involving my minor children," he said.

The children were interviewed in the presence of life coach Lisa Nkonoki, whom Morley hired in 2008 to help them deal with their estrangement, the Daily News said.