Richard Simmons Issues Rare Statement Days After Disappearance Documentary Airs

Richard Simmons expressed gratitude to fans for their “kindness and love” just days after a TMZ documentary about his disappearance aired.

 

Richard Simmons is making a brief return to the spotlight to deliver a heartfelt message.

Days after the release of a TMZ documentary about his abrupt disappearance from the public eye, the fitness icon resurfaced on social media to express his gratitude to his fans.

“Thank you, everyone, for your kindness and love!” he wrote on Aug. 24, signing off with “Love, Richard.”

Fans responded positively to the post, with one user writing, “I admire you for making time for yourself. You’ve given the world so much of yourself, and now it’s your turn. That’s fantastic. Thank you for abundantly blessing and inspiring me.”

Richard’s representative told E! News that the star “is overwhelmed by the love and well wishes he has received from his fans. He wants them to know he’s doing well and sends them his best wishes.”

 

On August 22, the documentary TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons premiered on Hulu and FOX. It focused on Richard’s life and career, as well as the various theories surrounding his disappearance from the spotlight.

Richard’s last public appearance was in February 2014, when he abruptly stopped teaching at his fitness studio. Since then, the Internet has speculated on why Richard stepped away from his fitness empire, with some speculating that he’s a “hostage” in his own home.

In 2016, the Sweatin’ to the Oldies star refuted these claims. “No one is holding me hostage in my house,” he told the Today show. “You know, I do what I want to do, and I’ve always done it, so people should just believe what I say.”

 

He went on, “I just wanted to be a little bit of a loner for a little bit of time. You know, I hurt my knee and had some issues with it, and then the other knee started giving me problems…and right now, I just want to take care of myself.”