Richard Simmons’ Housekeeper Fights To Be Co-Trustee Of Estate
Richard Simmons‘ long-time housekeeper and friend is filing a petition to restore her role as a co-trustee of the late fitness guru’s estate. She claims that Richard’s brother pressured her into signing over her rights days after his death. Here is what she’s asking for.
Richard Simmons’ Brother Pressure Housekeeper Into Signing Over Rights
Teresa Reveles filed a petition with the courts on Wednesday, September 25. The petition outlines a “nefarious scheme” carried out by Richard Simmons’ brother, Leonard “Lenny” Simmons, and his wife, Cathy.
According to the petition, Teresa says that the couple persuaded her to sign documents that ultimately revoked her from her trustee role in the days after Richard’s death. Teresa was admittedly “distraught” after finding him dead.
“For nearly thirty-six (36) years, Teresa lived with Richard, cared for him, and was his closest friend and devoted confidant,” the petition reads. “Not surprisingly, Richard named Teresa as one of his successor Trustees of his Trust, wanting and expecting that she would be responsible for administering his Trust should he predecease her.”
The petition goes on to say that Lenny and Cathy allegedly pulled Teresa into a meeting about Richard Simmons’ financial affairs right after seeing his body in an open casket. Emotional and confused, Teresa Reveles said that she signed away her co-trustee title. At the time, she was afraid that she’d lose any rights to the inheritance the late fitness guru left her.
Apparently, Lenny and Cathy both ignored Teresa’s requests to meet at a later time. The housekeeper also did not have time to consult a lawyer before signing the paperwork. She has since sought out legal counsel and is looking to regain her co-trustee role.
Teresa Reveles Believes Richard ‘Died Happy’
Teresa is also pushing for legal action to be taken against Lenny to stop him from using his brother’s image and likeness for personal profit. Her filing revealed that the brothers “had not seen each other in person for more than six years prior to Richard’s death.”
Richard Simmons died in his home on July 13, one day after turning 76. The Los Angeles Police Department arrived on the scene after receiving a call from Teresa Reveles. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The official cause of death was revealed to be “accidental.” It appeared that Richard had “complications from recent falls and heart disease,” which both contributed to his death.
His long-time housekeeper and friend, Teresa, told People that she believed he had a heart attack after finding him in his room with his hands balled into fists.
“When I saw him, he looked peaceful,” she said. “That’s why I know it was a heart attack. I had a heart attack a few years ago, and my hands did the same. He died happy.”
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