Richard Simmons Denies Being Held Hostage In His Home

Richard Simmons has helped a lot of people over the years, and now the legendary fitness instructor is coming to his very own rescue — sort of.

According to reports, Simmons denied rumors that he’s being held hostage and is vowing to make a comeback. The New York Daily News investigated claims earlier this year that Simmons, 67, is being held inside his home (purposely kept away from his close friends and family) against his will.

The fitness guru called into the Today show on Monday to assure everyone that “Richard is fine.” He revealed, “No one is holding me in my house as a hostage. I do what I want to do as I’ve always done.”

Despite the fact that several friends reportedly told the Daily News that they hadn’t heard from Simmons since 2013 and are “very concerned,” Simmons reassured worriers during his call, saying, “I’ve taught, like, thousands and thousands of classes and, you know, right now I just want to sort of just take care of me. I just really don’t want to do anything. I just don’t want to be traveling anymore. It certainly has taken its toll on me.”

Simmons also admitted to Entertainment Tonight that the Daily News article hurt his feelings, saying “[The article was] very hurtful. I am not kidnapped. I am just in my house right now. No one should be worried about me.”

After 40 years of training and teaching all over the world, maybe the only pushing that Simmons wants to do now is the buttons on the remote control.

SOURCE: PEOPLE, ET | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty 

Famed Fitness Instructor Richard Simmons Denies Being Held Hostage In His Home was originally published on globalgrind.com