Richard Simmons’ housekeeper of 35 years is demanding a judge make her co-trustee of the late fitness legend’s estate, alleging his brother, Leonard, swindled her out of the role.
In a legal petition filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Teresa Reveles Muro claims Leonard Simmons, aka Lenny, and his wife, Cathy, took advantage of her when she was “at her most vulnerable” and convinced her to turn down the position of co-trustee in the days after Simmons’ death, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
Reveles Muro alleges Leonard and Cathy brought her to the office of the attorneys handling Simmons’ trust right after all three of them viewed Simmons’ body following his passing in July. In her filing, Reveles Muro also claims she signed a document stating that she wished to decline the co-trustee role but insists she didn’t know what she was signing and was grieving.
The late aerobics guru’s live-in companion says she felt pressure to sign the documents because Leonard and Cathy “told her any paperwork mistakes could jeopardize her inheritance rights under the trust,” per TMZ’s reporting.
Reveles Muro claims she later received a letter stating she would no longer have any “major say” in handling Simmons’ estate.
According to Reveles Muro, no one explained what turning down the co-trustee role would mean or advised her to speak to an attorney about the matter.
Having retained counsel, she now wants to become a full co-trustee of Simmons’ estate with his brother, reportedly claiming she’s best suited to carry out Simmons’ final wishes.
Attorneys for Reveles Muro say they have contacted the law firm handling Simmons’ trust multiple times since the star died but have yet to see any “specific explanation for why Leonard won’t agree to revoke Muro’s declination and let her serve as co-trustee per Richard’s wishes,” according to TMZ.
Reveles Muro’s petition asks that Leonard be prohibited from selling any of the late fitness icon’s assets or exploiting his name, image and likeness until the judge in the case issues a ruling.
Simmons passed away on July 13 after suffering a fall in his bathroom the night before on his 76th birthday. Despite Reveles Muro’s concern, Simmons allegedly refused to get medical help. The following morning, she found him dead on the floor near his bed.
One month later, Leonard revealed his brother died of “complications from recent falls and heart disease.”
Shortly after Simmons’ funeral, Reveles Muro spoke about his death in an emotional interview.
“I can’t stop crying. I still can’t believe what happened,” she told People.
“I want to celebrate Richard. He died happy.”
At the time, Leonard praised Reveles Muro, telling People, “Teresa was extremely loyal and trustworthy.”
“She loved my brother, and he loved her,” he added. “We are blessed to have Teresa in our lives.”
