Housekeeper seeks co-trustee role in Richard Simmons' estate after his death

Teresa Reveles, the housekeeper of Richard Simmons, filed a petition to be named co-trustee of his estate after discovering his body on July 13, 2023, in his Los Angeles home. She claims that she was misled by Simmons' brother, Leonard, and his spouse into signing documents that relinquished her rights to the estate. Reveles stated that she was vulnerable at the time and was not properly informed about the implications of the documents she signed. After consulting with a lawyer, she believes she is the best candidate for the co-trustee position, which Simmons had intended for her. Reveles has requested the court to prevent Leonard from selling any of Simmons' possessions or profiting from his image until the matter is resolved. She expressed that the documents were presented to her under the threat of losing her inheritance, leading to her confusion about their content. Reveles' petition comes more than two months after Simmons' death, which occurred shortly after his 76th birthday. The late fitness guru had been in declining health, having experienced a fall in his bathroom the day before his death. Reveles had urged him to seek medical attention, but he declined, wanting to celebrate his birthday instead. The following morning, she found him unresponsive on the floor of his bedroom. This legal battle highlights the complexities surrounding estate management and the potential for misunderstandings in vulnerable situations. Reveles' claims raise questions about the validity of the documents she signed and the intentions of those who guided her through the process.