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LOS ANGELES — The death of beloved fitness guru Richard Simmons has given way to a turbulent legal battle that’s casting a long shadow over his legacy. At the center of the storm: Teresa Reveles, Simmons’ devoted housekeeper and friend of over 30 years, and his surviving family, who are now locked in a dispute over control of his estate.
Simmons, 76, died unexpectedly on July 13, 2024, after suffering a fall in his Los Angeles home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma exacerbated by cardiovascular disease. It was Reveles who discovered his body — a moment that would soon spiral into a contentious estate conflict.
Trust in Dispute: Allegations and Signatures Under Duress
In the weeks following Simmons’ death, Reveles claims she was pressured by Leonard Simmons, Richard’s brother, and his wife Cathy, into relinquishing her co-trustee role in the estate. According to court filings, the incident occurred just one day before the burial — and without legal representation or full understanding of the documents she signed. Reveles’ attorneys argue she was emotionally distraught and unaware of the legal implications, especially as English is not her first language.
By July 26, Reveles formally requested to resume her duties as co-trustee. But her plea, she claims, went unanswered, and she was subsequently cut off from estate decisions — despite being a named beneficiary.
Family’s Pushback: ‘Greed, Not Grief’
The Simmons family, represented by spokesperson Tom Estey, has forcefully rejected Reveles’ version of events. They allege she knowingly declined her co-trustee responsibilities and has since tried to manipulate the estate for personal gain. In a public statement, the family described her actions as “greedy” and “deeply disrespectful” to Simmons’ memory.
Further accusations include improper charges to the estate and continued residence in Simmons’ home, which the family claims she refused to vacate for months. The family also raised concerns over her alleged involvement in a Netflix documentary project — fearing that it could exploit Simmons’ name and damage his carefully curated public image.
Legacy on Hold
Reveles has petitioned the court to reinstate her as co-trustee and block any estate-related actions by Leonard Simmons until a final legal determination is made. Specifically, she seeks to prevent the sale of Simmons’ personal items or the commercialization of his name and likeness.
While both parties argue over trust documents and intent, what remains certain is that Simmons left behind a legacy built on flamboyance, compassion, and a nationwide call to health. Whether that legacy is safeguarded or marred will now depend on what unfolds in court — far from the upbeat workout studios that once defined his fame.
The battle for Richard Simmons’ estate continues — not just over assets, but over control of the narrative of who he was, and what he would have wanted.
