TV star Montel Williams' two kids Montel and Wyntergrace say he's 'like a stranger' to them

BY NANCY DILLION  
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

The heartbroken children of Montel Williams have come forward to complain the TV star has all but abandoned them amid a bitter custody battle.

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.