Richard Simmons’ Family Turns On His Beloved Housekeeper, Claiming He’d Be ‘Heartbroken’ Over Her ‘Greed’

It’s been two months since the fitness guru Richard Simmons was found dead at his Los Angeles mansion. His body was discovered by his beloved housekeeper Teresa Reveles, who had worked and lived with him for 36 years. On Wednesday, Reveles filed a petition to be reinstated as a co-trustee for Richard’s estate.

Now, Richard’s family is firing back at her in a big way.

Richard’s Family Slams His Housekeeper

In her filing, Teresa alleged that she was manipulated into relinquishing her co-trustee role. She claimed that at the time, she was still grieving for Richard. Lenny is the other co-trustee of Richard’s estate, and he’s also a beneficiary.

Richard’s family has since responded to Teresa’s filing through spokesman Tom Estey.

“Richard’s message was always one of joy and positivity,” Tom told People Magazine. “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.”

“Richard took impeccable care of Teresa and made sure even after his passing that she was well taken care of,” he continued. “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.”

Related: Richard Simmons’ Housekeeper, The Only Witness, Reveals How She Thinks He Really Died

Richard’s Family Doubles Down

Tom went on to say that the claims that Teresa made in her filing are “completely and demonstrably false.”

“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,” he explained. “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.”

Tom also accused Teresa of taking part of a documentary that is being pitched to Netflix. The family believes that this documentary “will be hurtful to Richard’s legacy.”

“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,” Tom concluded. “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.”

Richard was found dead by Teresa on July 13, one day after his 76th birthday. This came two days after he suffered a fall at his home. The fitness legend reportedly declined medical attention because he wanted to spend his birthday at his house. It was later determined that Richard died from blunt trauma.

Related: Richard Simmons’ Cause Of Death Is Finally Revealed After He’s Found Dead At 76

Teresa’s Petition

On Wednesday, Teresa claimed that Lenny and Cathy manipulated her into signing paperwork. These documents stripped her of her co-trustee role in his estate.

“For nearly thirty-six (36) years, Teresa lived with Richard, cared for him, and was his closest friend and devoted confidant. Not surprisingly, Richard named Teresa as one of his successor Trustees of his Trust, wanting and expecting that she would be responsible for administering his Trust should he predecease her,” reads the petition, which was obtained by People.

The petition alleges that it was after “an open casket viewing of Richard’s body” that Lenny and Cathy “immediately” took her “directly to a meeting … to discuss Richard’s financial affairs.” They reportedly did this despite Teresa asking for time to process the situation.

Teresa went so far as to refer to Lenny’s actions as a “nefarious scheme.” She also claimed that the brothers “had not seen each other in person for more than six years prior to Richard’s death.”

Until this matter is resolved, Teresa wants the court to prohibit Lenny from profiting from Richard’s image and likeness.

It’s always sad to see the financial disputes that can break out over someone’s estate after their death. One can’t help but think that this is the last thing that Richard would have wanted. Here’s hoping that it can be resolved as quickly as possible.