Richard Simmons‘ controversial housekeeper is fighting with his family over his estate. Uh oh!
According to TMZ on Wednesday, Teresa Reveles Muro — the fitness guru’s friend and live-in employee for around 35 years — filed a legal petition in Los Angeles requesting to be renamed as a co-trustee of her late boss’ estate. She argued that his brother Leonard “Lenny” Simmons, along with wife Cathy, took advantage of her when she was vulnerable and convinced her to turn down the position.
She claims they all went to the office of the attorneys handling Richard’s trust after viewing his body, and it was there she was asked to sign a doc stating she wished to decline her co-trustee role. She now insists she had no clue what she was signing and felt pressure to agree because the couple coerced her. They told her paperwork mistakes could jeopardize her inheritance rights under the trust, she claims. Per a new report from TMZ, she claimed she later received a letter saying she’d no longer have any “major say” in the estate (though she is still a beneficiary). After consulting with an attorney, she’s asking to be renamed as a co-trustee, claiming she’s the best person to execute Richard’s last wishes.
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On Thursday, the Simmons family hit back HARD at the housekeeper’s claims — arguing she’s just being greedy! Their lawyer Tom Estey released a scathing statement to People, saying:
“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. Her actions threaten to harm Richard’s incredible legacy, which we are working hard to preserve.”
Oh no! As for why they don’t think Teresa has any reason to complain, they added:
“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.”
That is an inneresting distinction! Usually when people are fighting over estates it’s cause they want to be entitled to some money, but the housekeeper already is! So maybe she wants to be co-trustee because that’s what Richard wanted? And she was closer to him than his family? Hmm…
The family’s statement continued:
“The allegations in the petition are completely and demonstrably false, and we have informed her counsel of those facts. 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.”
So why are they so wary of her regaining some control of his estate?? They think she could ruin his reputation!! They claimed:
“Even now, two months after he died, she is staying in his house, even though she has her own residence, and she has attempted to charge the estate for her living expenses. We also have learned that a documentary has been pitched to Netflix that identifies Teresa as the principal source and contributor and that we believe will be hurtful to Richard’s legacy.”
Whoa. That would be SO sketchy!
It’s worth noting, however, that Teresa seems concerned about Lenny using Richard’s image, as well. As part of her filing, she requested that Lenny be prohibited from selling any of the TV personality’s assets or exploiting his name, image, and likeness until the judge has made a ruling in the case. Regardless, the Simmons family is determined to keep things the way they are, concluding their statement:
“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. When the court is apprised of the facts that already have been given to Teresa’s attorney, we are confident that the court will deny the petition.”
Oof.
As Perezcious readers know, the beloved fitness instructor died on July 13 after falling in his home two days earlier. His unresponsive body was found in his bedroom by his housekeeper. It was later determined he died from blunt traumatic injuries with heart disease listed as a contributing factor. It’s unfortunate to see his loved ones fighting so soon after his death! Hopefully, this gets sorted out without too much drama!
Thoughts? Let us know (below).
