Richard Simmons reveals why he does not want to do interviews amid controversy surrounding his biopic
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Richard Simmons updated his fans about his well-being amidst biopic controversy.
Sharing that he wishes to remain out of the spotlight, the fitness guru took to Facebook to post a message to his fans.
Richard Simmons says he's 'fine and happy'
In a rare public statement on Monday, January 22, the 74-year-old wrote, "Hi Everybody! I wanted you all to know that I am fine and I am happy. I have had a lot of people ask me for interviews.
"But right now I don’t want to do them. It is a gray and rainy day here in Los Angeles, but my heart is filled with your kindness towards me. Love, Richard," he added.
Richard Simmons' biopic controversy
On Thursday, January 18, Simmons took a break from his "quiet life" to address the news that a biopic about his life is coming out.
"Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie,” the reclusive fitness trainer wrote on Facebook.
"So don’t believe everything you read. I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful," Simmons continued.
"Thank you for all your love and support," he added.
Pauly Shore's portrayal of Richard Simmons
Simmon's message to his fans about not providing permission for the making of his biopic comes after Pauly Shore's announcement in September 2023 that he will be playing the fitness personality.
View this post on Instagram
In response to a viral meme, Shore said he "can definitely morph into" Simmons in the feature-length film from Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization.
Speaking to People, Shore reflected on how Simmons touched the lives of many people, a factor that inspired him to make a biopic.
"He helped so many people," said Shore. "If you read people talking about him, they'd always be like, 'I was 400 pounds and Richard Simmons saved my life!' He was all about positivity and helping people," he continued.
"And there's so much angst and divisiveness in the world, so I think a dose of that positivity is what people need. A Richard Simmons movie could unite America!" Shore added.
Addressing Simmons' lack of involvement in the biopic, The Wolper Organization stated, "While we would love to have [Simmons] involved, we respect his desire to privacy and plan to produce a movie that honors him, celebrates him and tells a dramatic story."
"We know he is deeply private and we would never want to invade that, however he is an amazing person that changed millions of peoples’ lives, and the effect he has had on the world needs to be recognized," the production company told Variety.
