Richard Simmons’ family is breaking their silence just one day after the late fitness guru’s housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, alleged that she was pressured into turning down a role as co-trustee of his estate.
Revels claims that Simmons’ brother, Lenny Simmons, who is the other co-trustee of the estate, and his wife, Cathy Simmons, misled her when she signed the paperwork several days after Simmons passed.
The family defended themselves and disputed Reveles’ allegations in a lengthy statement that was shared exclusively with PEOPLE by Tom Estey, a spokesperson for the family.
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“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,” the family said.
They also clarified that, while Reveles isn’t currently a co-trustee of the estate, she is a “significant beneficiary of his will” and her “decision” to turn down the role of co-trustee won’t affect her inheritance.
“Richard took impeccable care of Teresa and made sure even after his passing that she was well taken care of,” they said, adding that the “allegations in the petition are completely and demonstrably false.”
Reveles asks judge to appoint her as co-trustee
The statement comes just one day after Reveles filed a petition asking a judge to reinstate her as co-trustee of the estate. She claims she was pressured into turning down the role shortly after his death.
In the petition, filed on Sept. 25, Reveles alleges that Lenny and Cathy asked her to the office of the lawyers handling the trust after viewing Richard’s body, when she was most vulnerable.
She was also told that “any paperwork mistakes could jeopardize her inheritance rights under the trust,” according to TMZ. While she admits she didn’t understand what she was signing, she signed it anyway.
After speaking with her own attorney, she’s requesting to be reinstated as a co-trustee and insists that “she’s in the best position to execute Simmons’ last wishes.”
She’s also asking the court to prevent the family, including Lenny, who is a beneficiary, from selling off any of Richard’s assets and exploiting his name, image and likeness until a decision is made by the judge.
Simmons’ family has doubt over Reveles’ intentions
While Reveles fears what Simmons’ family might do with his estate, it appears as if his family is just as worried about Reveles’ intentions.
“Teresa’s request to be reinstated as co-trustee was declined because 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,” they wrote in the statement.
The family is accusing Reveles of staying in Simmons’ house, despite having a residence of her own, and charging Simmons’ estate for her living expenses. They also fear that she’ll damage Richard’s legacy.
“Unfortunately, it appears that Teresa intends to waste the assets of the estate, which otherwise would go to the beneficiaries, to pursue meritless and pointless litigation,” they continued.
As of right now, the family is “confident” that the judge will deny Reveles’ request once the facts are laid out.
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Simmons passed away on July 13, two days after falling in his home and one day after his 76th birthday. Reveles, who was his housekeeper for nearly 40 years, was the one discovered Simmons after his death.