Richard Simmons Sues National Enquirer For Invasion of Privacy

Fitness guru Richard Simmons, who has largely disappeared from the public eye, filed a lawsuit against National Enquirer parent company American Media Inc., alleging libel and invasion of privacy. In the lawsuit, Simmons alleges that his former assistant Mauro Oliveira “blackmailed, extorted and stalked” him, and attempted to destroy “the career and reputation of Mr. Simmons” by selling false information to outlets like the National Enquirer. By using Oliveira as a source, the news outlets “acted in reckless disregard for the fact that information provided by Mr. Oliveira was false and that he was not a credible or reliable source,” Simmons claims. A spokesperson for American Media said the organization stands by its reporting about Simmons, “all of which was based on solid sourcing and material evidence. Should he choose to proceed with his lawsuit, we will defend it vigorously, and we look forward to the public vindication of our reports.”