Richard Simmons’ housekeeper takes brother to court over documentary
Weeks after Simmons’ death in July, Muro filed a petition alleging that Leonard forced her to sign documents that removed her as a co-trustee of his trust.
Muro claimed that she did not know what she was signing and that she was overcome with grief.
While Leonard has yet to respond to Muro’s initial petition, she has gone back to court to ask a judge to ban him from selling Simmons’ assets or exploiting his name for a documentary project.
Her filing read: “Richard Simmons would turn in his grave if he knew what his brother Leonard has done since his tragic death on July 13, 2024.”
Muro again claimed that her former boss clearly stated that she and Leonard would become co-trustees of his estate, not just Leonard.
She further accused Leonard of recently working with Simmons’ estranged manager to “loot Richard’s assets and legacy,” which she said was in direct conflict with the fitness icon’s wishes.
The motion stated: “During the last years of his life, Richard unequivocally cut ties with (the manager) because he was exploiting Richard’s celebrity without proper authorization and compensation. Richard even stated that he would “rather die” than participate in another venture.
“Richard also flatly rejected (the manager’s) attempts to work on a documentary about Richard’s life, stating that he would never work with (the manager) on a project again.
“Leonard has openly defied Richard’s explicit instructions by returning to business with (the manager).”
Her filing continued: “Indeed, Leonard turned over the keys to Richard’s house to (the manager) and allowed (the manager) to bring in a film crew last Thursday, October 17, 2024, so that he could proceed with an apparent documentary or similar project about Richard, in direct conflict with Richard’s expressed wishes.”
Muro’s attorney alleged that Leonard had taken additional steps — including hiring “a real estate agent to market Richard’s home” — suggesting he was preparing to sell his brother’s home and personal items.
The motion stated: “Leonard is therefore also likely to make arrangements to soon sell, donate or otherwise dispose of Richard’s personal assets without Teresa’s input, as Richard envisioned in the Trust.”
Simmons’ housekeeper added, “Richard lived at the Residence for decades and kept many memorabilia, collectibles, art and other personal items in the home. In addition to being valuable or important because of their association with Richard, many of the personal effects were of sentimental value to his friends and family.”
A judge has yet to rule on Muro’s application.
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