Richard Simmons' Family to Sell His $5 Million Mansion Amid Estate Dispute
Teresa Muro Challenges Leonard Simmons' Control Over Estate
Teresa Muro, Richard Simmons' longtime housekeeper, has disclosed that Richard's brother, Leonard Simmons, intends to sell the late fitness icon's $5 million mansion and personal belongings. Court documents reveal that Teresa is in a legal battle with Leonard over the control of Richard's estate. Having lived with Richard for 35 years, Teresa claims that Leonard had her sign documents during her time of mourning, which relinquished her rights to co-manage Richard's estate with him.
In her latest legal filing, Teresa alleges that after excluding her from the estate management, Leonard began collaborating with Richard's estranged manager to exploit Richard's assets and legacy.
Richard Simmons
Allegations of Exploitation and Disregard for Richard’s Wishes
Teresa asserts that Leonard has openly stated he is preparing to sell many of Richard's personal items, having hired a real estate agent to list Richard's home, where all his belongings are kept, and made arrangements with an auction house to assess and sell Richard's personal effects.
Leonard has acknowledged that he might decide to sell certain items on his own in the near future if he wishes, and he has not confirmed whether he will seek Teresa’s approval before proceeding with such sales. As for Leonard's supposed partnership with Richard’s estranged manager, Teresa remarked, “In the last years of his life, Richard made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with [the manager] because he was taking advantage of Richard’s fame without the right permissions or compensation. Richard even expressed that he ‘would rather die’ than collaborate on another project with him.”
She further stated, “Richard outright dismissed [the manager’s] efforts to create a documentary about his life, insisting that he would never work with [the manager] again. Leonard has openly disregarded Richard’s clear wishes by re-engaging in business with [the manager].”
Richard passed away on July 13 at the age of 76. Teresa shared that she discovered Richard’s “lifeless body on the bedroom floor” of his four-bedroom, five-bathroom, 4,119 square-foot home.
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Leonard Simmons Denies Claims and Defends Actions
Teresa was utterly heartbroken by the sudden and unforeseen loss of her best friend of over thirty years, as stated by her lawyer in a recent petition. Her lawyer noted, "At the time this petition was filed, the Trust has not recognized Teresa as a successor Co-Trustee and continues to refuse to do so." Teresa has requested the court to suspend Leonard's trustee powers until her petition is resolved.
In recent documents, Leonard strongly rejected Teresa's claims. "Since she chose not to serve as Co-Trustee, Teresa has shown significant hostility towards Leonard, which he cannot comprehend. Having both of them as Co-Trustees would be unproductive and likely result in the need for a corporate trustee," his motion stated. Additionally, his lawyer mentioned, "Teresa has her own residence, yet she occupied a room in Richard’s home that she refused to leave after his passing. When she finally vacated it, 76 days later, she took nearly $1 million worth of Richard’s jewelry and valuable artwork, which she has not returned."
Leonard also refuted claims that he was collaborating on a documentary with Richard’s estranged manager. He clarified, "That is not true. The film crew was at the house for a documentary about Richard being produced by Diane Sawyer and ABC News, and [the manager] allowed them access. The documentary project started before Richard's death."
