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(NewsNation) — The gloves are off in the battle over Richard Simmons’ estate.
According to People magazine, “On Wednesday, Sept. 25, Teresa Reveles, who served as Simmons’ house manager and friend for 36 years, filed a petition to be restated as a co-trustee for Simmons’ estate. Reveles claimed that she was misled by Simmons’ brother Lenny and his wife Cathy into giving up the role while she was grieving for Richard. Lenny is the other co-trustee of Richard’s estate and a beneficiary.”
Richard Simmons would be ‘heartbroken’ at house manager’s greed: Brother
Reveles is a beneficiary of the will and is said to be getting millions from the wellness guru’s estate.
The move threw Richard’s brother Lenny for a loop.
According to a statement by the Simmons family spokesperson, Tom Estey:
“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,” the statement begins.
“Richard took impeccable care of Teresa and made sure even after his passing that she was well taken care of,” the statement continues. “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.”
“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.
“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.”
Teresa Reveles seeking Netflix deal
My sources say she has indeed been seeking a deal with Netflix that has a price tag of $2 million.
Simmons died July 13 from blunt traumatic injuries due to a fall.
A friend of Simmons who knows Reveles very well told me: “Reveles is a greedy money grabber and she’s mad she’s not in charge. She’s the damn maid.”