'Sherri' Exec Found Dead After Show Launched Investigation On Production Finances
A top executive on Sherri Shepherd's eponymous daytime talk show allegedly took his own life while under investigation at the show.
Matt Uzzle, who served as executive in charge of production on "Sherri," was discovered dead in his home in Piermont, New York, on Feb. 13, Page Six reported, citing an unnamed police source.
Police did not release details about Uzzle's death, which was described as an "open investigation."
However, the police source told the outlet that the TV exec is believed to have died of an apparent suicide.
At the time of his death, Uzzle reportedly was part of a probe into "Sherri's" finances.
Uzzle previously worked as an executive in charge of production on "The Wendy William Show" before moving to Shepherd's show after she took over Wendy William's time slot.
‘Sherri’ exec found dead after show launched investigation into production’s finances https://t.co/b8GDholYz5 pic.twitter.com/3EiFWiIiAj
— Page Six (@PageSix) February 22, 2024
He managed production and oversaw the budget at "Sherri," according to Page Six.
An internal investigation was launched into "Sherri" after parent company Debmar-Mercury reportedly learned that the rent of the show's studio in New York City had not been paid since September 2023.
Several departments at the talk show also complained about issues with petty cash, unnamed sources told the outlet.
"There was real concern among staff that the show was getting shut down. Debmar had to step in," Page Six quoted an unnamed insider familiar with the situation as saying.
Production of "Sherri" was not affected by the probe, according to another unidentified source cited by the outlet.
Sherri Shepherd attends The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert 2024 at Jazz at Lincoln Center on January 31, 2024 in New York City.
When Debmar-Mercury confronted him about the show's budget issues, Uzzle allegedly said he "needed a couple of days to get his paperwork together," one of the sources claimed.
A welfare check was requested for Uzzle after he wasn't heard from for days, according to the sources.
"We have retained [law firm] Morgan Lewis to help us investigate the matter and, pending the outcome of that investigation, we'll have no further comment," a rep for Debmar-Mercury said of the probe in a statement to Page Six.
The spokesperson did not address Uzzle's death, according to the outlet.
"Sherri" paid tribute to Uzzle during an "'in memoriam" segment in its Feb. 15 episode.
Uzzle received a daytime Emmy nomination in 2016 for his work on "The Wendy Williams Show," the Daily Mail reported.
Wendy Williams attends SiriusXM Town Hall with Wendy Williams hosted by SiriusXM host Karen Hunter at SiriusXM Studios on July 23, 2019 in New York City.
He also served as production manager on "The Montel Williams Show" and production coordinator on "Maury," according to his IMDb page.
Shepherd guest-hosted "The Wendy Williams Show" in 2022 before the long-running talk show was officially canceled after nearly 14 years on air.
"Sherri" premiered in September 2022 and has since been renewed through the 2024-25 season.
If you or someone you know is struggling or has had suicidal thoughts, confidential help is available for free at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. The line is available 24 hours, every day.
