Richard Simmons’ Family Slams Housekeeper’s ‘Greed’ amid Fight Over His Estate: ‘He Would Be Heartbroken’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Richard Simmons' family is disputing his longtime house manager’s claims that she was pressured into removing herself as a co-trustee of the late fitness guru’s estate.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, Teresa Reveles, who served as Simmons' house manager and friend for 36 years, filed a petition to berestated as a co-trustee for Simmons' estate.

Tom Estey, a spokesperson for the Simmons family, provided PEOPLE an exclusive statement in response to Reveles' petition.

“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,” the statement begins.

Lenny and Richard Simmons in an undated photo.Richard Simmons/X

Richard Simmons/X

“Richard took impeccable care of Teresa and made sure even after his passing that she was well taken care of,” the statement continues. “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.”

Richard Simmons circa 1984.American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

Even now, two months after he died, she is staying in his house, even though she has her own residence, and she has attempted to charge the estate for her living expenses. We also have learned that a documentary has been pitched to Netflix that identifies Teresa as the principal source and contributor and that we believe will be hurtful to Richard’s legacy."

Unfortunately, it appears that Teresa intends to waste the assets of the estate, which otherwise would go to the beneficiaries, to pursue meritless and pointless litigation. When the court is apprised of the facts that already have been given to Teresa’s attorney, we are confident that the court will deny the petition."

Teresa Reveles and Richard Simmons in an undated photo.Courtesy of Teresa Reveles

Courtesy of Teresa Reveles

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Until the matter is resolved, Reveles asked the court in her petition to prohibit Lenny from profiting from Richard’s image and likeness. She remains a beneficiary to Richard’s estate.

PEOPLE has reached out to Reveles' lawyers for comment on the Simmons family statement.

Richard died on the morning of July 13, two days after he fell in his home. His unresponsive body was found in his bedroom Reveles and he was declared dead at the scene.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office said in an Aug. 22 press release that Simmons died from blunt traumatic injuries, He had just celebrated his 76th birthday the day before.

source: people.com