Richard Simmons’ Ex-Housekeeper Claims His Brother Misused $843,000 From the Trust After His Death.
Richard Simmons’ longtime housekeeper and trusted confidant, Teresa Reveles, has made serious allegations against his brother, Leonard Simmons, accusing him of misusing funds from the late fitness guru’s trust.
According to court documents, Teresa claims that Leonard defied a court order that had appointed her as interim co-trustee of Richard Simmons’ estate. She alleges that Leonard made unauthorized decisions regarding the trust and failed to comply with requests for documents related to its administration.
Teresa’s lawyer emphasized Leonard’s attempts to frustrate her ability to serve as Successor Co-Trustee. “Leonard has defied the Court’s Order and done everything he can to frustrate Teresa’s ability to serve as Successor Co-Trustee, all while trying to create a dishonest record which seeks to blame Teresa for purported non-cooperation and for purportedly contributing to the Trust’s failings,” the statement read.
Teresa’s lawyer also accused Leonard of using trust resources for a personal vendetta against her. “Rather than simply work with Teresa and administer the trust by unanimous decision, Leonard has spent an inordinate amount of Trust resources fighting her earnest attempt to be appointed to a position that Richard wanted her to have.”
Richard Simmons
Leonard allegedly spent a total of $566,654 on litigation fees to remove Teresa from her position and obscure her involvement with the trust. Furthermore, Teresa claims that Leonard spent an additional $277,200 on providing round-the-clock armed security for Richard’s home.
According to Teresa’s attorney, “Between the two, Leonard has spent more than $843,854 since Richard’s death. Yet, Leonard is not willing to pay even one penny to the beneficiaries, who, unlike Leonard, did not pocket a multimillion-dollar insurance policy upon Richard’s death.”
The lawsuit also highlights a significant rift between the two, with Leonard accusing Teresa of taking jewelry and valuable items from Richard’s home after her departure.
Leonard has even suggested that Richard’s song lyrics for a Broadway play were missing. However, Teresa denied these allegations, claiming that Richard had been incredibly generous with his possessions, gifting her several pieces of jewelry, including a pink diamond ring, during Thanksgiving in 2014.
“I was shocked but accepted this generous gift,” Teresa stated in her declaration. She explained that the items she took were given to her by Richard and confirmed that she did not have any of the missing song lyrics or valuable items. She also admitted to taking three pairs of Richard’s workout pants after his death, which she intended to donate but kept as personal mementos of her nearly 36-year-long relationship with him.
The legal battle is ongoing, and Teresa has requested the court to enforce Leonard’s compliance with the court’s original order and restore her position as co-trustee. The estate battle continues to unfold, drawing attention to the complexities surrounding celebrity estates, trust management, and familial conflicts.
Richard Simmons, known for his enthusiastic approach to fitness and his iconic workout videos, remains one of the most well-recognized figures in American pop culture. His 1980s exercise program, Sweatin’ to the Oldies, captured the hearts of millions and solidified his place as an icon in the fitness world.
Simmons’ influence went beyond just exercise; his approach to body positivity and mental health made him a beloved figure for those seeking a supportive and non-judgmental approach to fitness. However, after years of public prominence, Simmons stepped out of the limelight in the mid-2010s, sparking widespread speculation and concern among fans and media outlets.
Following his reclusive period, Simmons’ family has been embroiled in various public disputes over his estate. The legal challenges surrounding Richard’s trust highlight the difficulties of managing the assets of a high-profile individual with a complicated personal and professional history.
These kinds of familial disputes over estates are not uncommon among celebrities, with high-profile cases like that of Aretha Franklin, Prince, and Whitney Houston illustrating how unresolved issues can emerge after a celebrity’s death.
What Is a Trust and How Does It Work?
A trust is a legal arrangement used to manage a person’s assets after their death, ensuring that those assets are distributed according to their wishes. In the case of Richard Simmons, a trust was set up to handle his estate, but it has now become the center of a family dispute between his brother, Leonard Simmons, and his former housekeeper, Teresa Reveles.
How Does a Trust Work?
When someone creates a trust, they (the “trustor”) transfer their property or assets to a trustee, who will manage those assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. The trustee is responsible for following the terms set out in the trust agreement, which typically specifies how the assets should be distributed. This can include paying off debts, distributing funds to family members, or managing investments.
One of the key benefits of a trust is that it avoids the probate process, which can be time-consuming and public. This means that the trust allows for private management of assets without needing to go through court proceedings.
Types of Trusts
There are several types of trusts, but two of the most common are:
- Revocable Trust – The trustor can change or dissolve the trust during their lifetime.
- Irrevocable Trust – Once established, the terms of the trust cannot be changed by the trustor.
In the case of Richard Simmons, his trust was intended to be managed by co-trustees, including his brother Leonard and his former housekeeper Teresa. However, a dispute has arisen as Leonard allegedly made decisions without Teresa’s approval, leading to accusations of misusing over $843,000 in funds.
Why Are Trusts Used?
Trusts are often used to:
- Ensure assets are distributed according to the trustor’s wishes.
- Protect assets from creditors.
- Provide financial support to family members, charities, or others.
- Avoid the lengthy and public probate process.
In Simmons' case, the conflict between the co-trustees highlights the complexities and potential issues that can arise with managing a trust, especially when family dynamics are involved. The ongoing dispute over the trust’s administration illustrates how critical it is to clearly outline expectations in trust agreements to prevent future conflicts.
What Does a Trust Lawyer Do?
A trust lawyer specializes in creating, managing, and administering trusts to ensure that a client’s assets are distributed according to their wishes.
They help clients choose the appropriate type of trust—whether revocable or irrevocable—and tailor it to meet specific goals, such as minimizing estate taxes or protecting assets. Trust lawyers also assist trustees with administering the trust, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and resolving disputes between beneficiaries or trustees.
Additionally, they offer guidance on tax implications and estate planning. In cases of trust litigation, trust lawyers represent clients to resolve conflicts or challenges regarding the trust.
