By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-09-26 14:34:18 | Updated at 2024-09-30 21:41:03
4 days ago
The family of Richard Simmons is contesting claims made by his house manager that she was pressured into relinquishing her role as a co-trustee of his estate.
Teresa Reveles, the famed fitness guru's housekeeper, filed the petition earlier this week, over two months after she found the star dead in his Los Angeles home July 13.
The distressed manager stated that she was misled by Simmons' brother Lenny and his wife Cathy into giving up the role while she was 'at her most vulnerable' while grieving for Richard.
She further added that she was confused about what the documents stated at the time and was never explicitly informed or advised on the issue.
But days later, the family has released a statement of its own, noting that they were 'heartbroken to learn of Teresa's greed and insulted that she would diminish their three decades of supposed friendship'.
Richard Simmons' housekeeper of almost 40 years, Teresa Reveles, claims she was pressured into relinquishing her role as a co-trustee of his estate
But days later, the family has released a statement of its own, noting that they were 'heartbroken to learn of Teresa's greed and insulted that she would diminish their three decades of supposed friendship'
'Richard's message was always one of joy and positivity. He would be heartbroken to learn of Teresa's greed and insulted that she would diminish their three decades of supposed friendship in such a public way. Her actions threaten to harm Richard's incredible legacy, which we are working hard to preserve.
'Richard took impeccable care of Teresa and made sure even after his passing that she was well taken care of.
'She is a significant beneficiary of his will. She made an informed decision to decline to serve as co-trustee of the estate, which does not affect her status as a beneficiary at all.
'The allegations in the petition are completely and demonstrably false, and we have informed her counsel of those facts.
Simmons had fallen in the bathroom of his home on Friday, July 12 - which marked his 76th birthday. (Pictured in LA in 2013)
The lengthy statement also noted that Reveles allegedly continues to live at the instructor's house despite having her own residence and as attempted to charge the estate for her living expenses
'Teresa's request to be reinstated as co-trustee was declined because co-trustees must work together in the best interests of the estate, and Teresa has shown by her actions that she does not share those interests,' the family told People.
The lengthy statement also noted that Reveles allegedly continues to live at the instructor's house despite having her own residence and as attempted to charge the estate for her living expenses.
As of now, Reveles told court that she wants to be named as a co-trustee. She also requested to have his brother Leonard blocked from selling any of her employer's possessions or property and to prevent him from making money off his image in commercial endeavors until the issue is settled by the court.
Authorities said that Simmons' death was as result of blunt traumatic injuries from a fall he suffered in his bathroom the evening before he died. His heart disease was an additional factor.
Authorities said that Simmons' death was as result of blunt traumatic injuries from a fall he suffered in his bathroom the evening before he died. His heart disease was an additional factor
The fitness impresario was pictured at a March 1999 event at the University of Nebraska
The New Orleans-born star, who had been a staple on television promoting his fitness industry endeavors - including studios, books, weight loss programs and videos - had been at the center of speculation over the past decade
Simmons had fallen in the bathroom of his home on the evening of his 76th birthday and Reveles had attempted to persuade him to seek immediate medical help.
But the instructor was reluctant to go and informed her that he might go the following day.
Ultimately, the housekeeper helped him safely get back to his bedroom but found him the following morning on the floor at around 10am.
The New Orleans-born star, who had been a staple on television promoting his fitness industry endeavors - including studios, books, weight loss programs and videos - had been at the center of speculation over the past decade after he ceased making public appearances, spurring questions about his safety and well-being.
