Recluse Richard Simmons opens up over being 'made fun of' in inspirational message

March 29, 2024

Fitness Guru Richard Simmons is opening up about being “made fun of” a decade after he retreated from the public eye.

The 75-year-old recently spoke out against an “unauthorized” movie biopic, starring Pauly Shore, and told fans he just tries to “live a quiet life and be peaceful.” Now, he’s spoken out against the ‘haters’ and revealed just what he listens to to ‘block them out’ completely.

Richard Simmons says he’s ‘glad to be me’ in inspirational message

The star’s enthusiastic demeanor was never everyone’s cup of tea, and like all celebrities, Simmons has had to deal with being “made fun of” his whole life.

But he didn’t let the haters win then, and he’s certainly not doing so now, as he took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to ‘hit back’.

Reaching out to his 48,000 followers, the aerobics King wrote: “For as long as I can remember, people have made fun of me. And people still make fun of me. But you know what? I am glad to be me!”

He then went on to share an inspirational message for his fans, advising them to adopt the same attitude. “You should be glad that you are you,” he continued.

And if anyone wants a playlist to listen to when you’re feeling down, well Simmons has you covered. “Three songs to listen to: I Will Survive… I Am What I Am… and … This Is Me. These songs will uplift you,” the star concluded.

Fans rushed to the star’s side, thanking him for his inspirational message, as one penned: “People that make fun are just insecure in their own way. You are great and bring so much joy and smiles to people’s faces. You’re a shining light in the world, and I for one am glad you’re here.”

“Richard you’re one of the kindest human beings I know. Thanks for everything you’ve done to help people throughout the years,” wrote a second.

A third fan reminisced: “I’ve always loved you! You are a true angel of inspiration. Some day I will write in my memoir how I danced to your workout routines diligently in the parlor of Sheri’s legal Brothel circa 1993…”

Simmons is ‘fine and happy’

Hi Everybody! I wanted you 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

— Richard Simmons (@TheWeightSaint) January 22, 2024

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Despite everything, the fitness instructor assured fans last week that he was “fine and happy,” but was not willing to conduct any interviews.

It came after the star ‘broke his silence’ to express he never gave his permission for the Pauly Shore movie, and no longer has a manager or publicists as he lives a quiet life away from the spotlight.

The film, titled The Court Jester, premiered last week during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Responding to Simmons, Shore said: “My come from has always been love. It’s never been vindictive,” via Variety.

“Yes, I want him to put his pixie dust on this and say, ‘Go for it, Pauly.’ It’s Richard being Richard. It’s sensitive. We don’t want to bug him. We want him to be left alone and we don’t want to bug him,” he continued.