Following the release of a documentary on Richard Simmons’ disappearance, Simmons himself reached out.
TMZ produced a documentary about fitness legend Richard Simmons earlier this week, namely his withdrawal from the public eye.
Simmons’ weight-loss techniques made him a household figure in the 1980s. He was recognized for his curly hairstyle and outfit: short shorts and a tank top.
Simmons moved away from the public glare after years of huge success and fame. And while Simmons has been that way for nearly a decade, he has also had to defend himself several times.
If you can recall, in 2016, Simmons told Today that despite rumors saying he was being kept prisoner by his maid, “no one is holding me as a hostage. “I just wanted to be a lone wolf for a while.”
Simmons said he was battling knee issues at the time but added, “Not to worry, Richard’s OK. “You haven’t seen my last.”
Simmons delivered another statement following the airing of the TMZ documentary What Happened to Richard Simmons. During the documentary, old friend Suzanne Somers claimed that the last time she saw Simmons, “something’s shattered inside because he did it. He had it and then threw it away.”
“Thank you, everyone, for your warmth and love,” Simmons said following the premiere. “Love, Richard,” he said on Facebook. Richard’s crew confirmed that the post was a personal message from him.
With his statement, Simmons’ manager Michael Catalano confirmed the veracity to People. “This was Richard’s post. He was moved by the response to the special and all of the good wishes he received. The goodwill encouraged him.”
“Richard is eternally thankful for the continual outpouring of love and respect he has gotten from across the Globe,” said another representative for Simmons, Tom Estey, to The New York Post. He is content, healthy, and living his chosen life.”
How many Richard Simmons exercises have you completed throughout your life?
