Richard Simmons’ family is responding to claims by his longtime housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, that she was swindled out of the role of co-trustee of his estate.
The fitness guru’s house manager and friend of 36 years says she was misled by Simmons’ brother Lenny and his wife Cathy into giving up the role. Lenny was the other co-trustee of the estate and is not the sole trustee.
On Wednesday, Reveles filed a petition to be reinstated as a co-trustee, a move Simmons’ family believes is motivated by “greed.”
“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,” a spokesperson for Simmons’ family told People. “Her actions threaten to harm Richard’s incredible legacy, which we are working hard to preserve.”
The statement continues, “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 Simmons family also explained why they have declined her request to be reinstated explaining that “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 statement also slams Reveles for continuing to live in the fitness star’s home since his death two months ago and alleges she “attempted to charge the estate for her living expenses.”
Reveles is also accused of pitching a documentary to Netflix “that identifies Teresa as the principal source and contributor and that we believe will be hurtful to Richard’s legacy.” But the family says they are “confident that the court will deny the petition.”
In her petition, Reveles requests that the court prohibit Lenny from making any profits off of Richard Simmons’ image and likeness.
Simmons died in July after falling in his home. His cause of death was blunt traumatic injuries. He turned 76 just one day before his death.
