Richard Simmons ’ family is responding to a claim by the late fitness icon’s housekeeper that she was pressured into relinquishing her role as a co-trustee of his estate. On Wednesday, September 25, Teresa Reveles filed a petition alleging that in a “nefarious scheme,” Richard’s brother, Lenny Simmons , and his wife, Cathy , asked her to sign documents that revoked her trustee role as she grieved the loss of her boss, who died July 13. Reveles alleges that she signed away her title because she feared losing her rights to the inheritance that Richard left her.
She is seeking to be restored as a co-trustee and requesting legal action to bar Lenny from using Richard’s image and likeness for personal profit. “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,” his family said in a statement late Wednesday, per People . “Richard took impeccable care of Teresa and made sure even after his passing that she was well taken care of,” the statement noted. “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 family called Reveles’ allegations “completely and demonstrably.
