Richard Simmons’ housekeeper, who was the first person to find the late fitness guru’s body in July, has filed a petition against his brother, alleging that he pressured her to give up her title as co-trustee of Simmons’ estate. According to People, Teresa Reveles filed the petition on Wednesday, September 25, accusing Leonard ‘Lenny’ Simmons and his wife Kathy of hatching a “nefarious scheme” in which they convinced her to sign documents revoking her trustee role while she was still “distraught” over Richard’s passing.
“For nearly thirty-six (36) years, Teresa lived with Richard, cared for him, and was his closest friend and devoted confidant,” the petition states, emphasizing that this was the reason Simmons named Teresa as one of his successors. According to court papers, Teresa expressed in her filing that her employer and longtime friend wanted and expected her to manage his trust if he were to die before her.
Also read: All we know about Richard Simmons: The life and legacy of a fitness icon
The filing also details the circumstances under which Teresa relinquished her rights, claiming that Lenny and Kathy summoned her to a meeting about Richard’s finances shortly after viewing his body in an open casket. Overwhelmed with emotion at the time and fearful of losing the inheritance left by Richard, Teresa, by her own account, relinquished her title.
The Revels also claim in their filing that they did not have the opportunity to consult with a lawyer before signing the paperwork, as Kathy and Lenny refused to delay the process. With her new lawyer, Teresa is trying to regain her position in Richard’s trust and requesting legal action against Lenny to prevent him from using Richard’s image and likeness for personal gain. The caretaker claims the brothers did not see each other for more than six years before Richard’s death.
Richard Simmons died at his Los Angeles home on July 12, just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. ABC News reported at the time that the LAPD responded to a call from Richard’s housekeeper that day, but he had already died by the time officers arrived. According to a statement provided by a family spokesperson in August, Richard’s official cause of death was ruled “accidental death due to complications from a recent fall, with heart disease being a factor.”
On his birthday, Richard shared a message of gratitude to his fans via Facebook, expressing his appreciation for the love he received on his special day.
Also read: ‘I’ve never considered myself a celebrity’: What Richard Simmons said in his last interview about his legend status and helping people
