LOS ANGELES, CA. (THECOUNT) — Teresa Reveles Muro, the longtime housekeeper of fitness icon Richard Simmons, has filed a petition to become co-trustee of his estate. Muro, who worked for Simmons for nearly 40 years, claims that she was pressured by Simmons’ brother, Leonard, to decline the role shortly after Simmons’ death in July. The petition, which was filed on Wednesday, alleges that Muro was in a vulnerable state when she signed a document relinquishing her rights to serve as co-trustee, a decision she now seeks to reverse.
Muro asserts that she was the one who discovered Simmons’ body in July following his accidental death. According to her, just days after his passing, she joined Leonard and his wife Cathy to view Simmons’ body. It was during this time, while still grieving and emotionally vulnerable, that Muro claims Leonard and Cathy took her to meet with the lawyers handling Simmons’ trust. During this meeting, she was asked to sign a document declining the position of co-trustee.
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Muro claims that she did not fully understand the implications of what she was signing at the time. She says that she felt pressured when Leonard and Cathy told her that any mistakes with the paperwork could jeopardize her inheritance rights under the trust. It was only later, after receiving a letter, that she realized the document effectively stripped her of any significant say in managing Simmons’ estate.
According to the petition, Muro was not informed of the consequences of turning down the role, nor was she advised to consult her own attorney before making such a significant decision. After seeking legal advice, Muro is now fighting to regain the ability to serve as co-trustee alongside Leonard, arguing that she is in the best position to carry out Simmons’ last wishes.
Muro’s attorneys have reportedly reached out to the law firm handling Simmons’ trust multiple times since late July but have yet to receive a clear explanation for why Leonard has not agreed to reinstate her as co-trustee. Muro’s legal team maintains that her appointment as co-trustee was something Simmons had wanted, and they are pressing the court to honor his intentions.
In addition to seeking her appointment as co-trustee, Muro is asking the court to prevent Leonard from making any major decisions regarding Simmons’ estate until the matter is resolved. Specifically, she wants to ensure that Leonard does not sell off Simmons’ assets or exploit his name, image, and likeness before the judge rules on her request.
The dispute comes just months after Simmons’ tragic death, which occurred in July. According to law enforcement, Simmons died from complications related to a fall, with heart disease listed as a contributing factor. Reports indicate that he fell in his bathroom and refused medical assistance the night before his death. Police later ruled his passing as accidental.
Richard Simmons, a beloved fitness guru, became a household name in the 1980s with his popular exercise programs and vibrant personality. Over the years, he amassed a significant fortune, and his estate is believed to include valuable assets, including his name and likeness, which could generate considerable income.
Muro’s petition highlights the complexity of managing high-profile estates, particularly when it comes to the handling of a public figure’s image and legacy. As the legal battle unfolds, the court will ultimately decide whether Muro will be reinstated as co-trustee and given a say in how Simmons’ estate is managed.
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