Don’t believe everything you read! Richard Simmons’ rep, Tom Estey, is slamming reports that the fitness guru is transitioning into a woman.
“It’s not true,” Estey tells Us Weekly of the National Enquirer’s recent explosive story that 67-year-old Simmons has been keeping a big secret under wraps. “He is not transitioning into a woman. He has decided to live quietly the last few years.”
Estey added that Simmons had knee surgery a few years ago, but is “still on Twitter and Facebook and works behind the scenes continuing to inspire and motivate people to lose weight. When he decides to come back, he will come back.”
In a recent cover story, the National Enquirer alleges that Simmons has adopted the name Fiona and has plans for breast implant surgery and hormone therapy.
On Friday, June 3, the Sweatin’ to the Oldies star was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after he was reportedly exhibiting “bizarre” behavior.
He was released several days later, on Sunday, June 5, and issued a statement to Us Weekly to assure fans that he’s feeling just fine.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and concern after hearing I was in the hospital,” Simmons said in the statement. “I was dehydrated and needed some fluids and now I am feeling great! Summer is here — drink plenty of liquids. Big hugs and kisses for caring.”
Earlier this year, Simmons made headlines after an in-depth report by the New York Daily News claimed that many of his close friends were concerned that he was being held hostage by his housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, at his Hollywood Hills home.
In January 2015, TMZ reported that the LAPD paid a visit to Simmons’ home after they were tipped off that things might be awry, but officials found the ’80s star alert and responsive.
Simmons’ rep added in the statement on Wednesday that Simmons is “a human being. He was in the public eye for over three decades, but he deserves his privacy. He should be able to have a private life. He just needed a break. He is still taking care of the people who need his help.”
