What? Richard Simmons Says Former Associate Has Blackmailed Him for Years
Following Richard Simmons lawsuit against RadarOnline and the National Enquirer, which was filed this morning, it is now known that his former associate Mauro Oliveira had “blackmailed, extorted, and stalked” him.
It was because of this extortion that Richard decided to disappear further from the spotlight (he hadn’t been seen publicly since 2014). But not no more!
The lawsuit alleges that Mauro sold false and libelous information about Richard to the National Enquirer and Radar Online.
“Since early 2014, Mr. Simmons has taken a leave of absence from the media spotlight in order to retreat from his 40-year career in television, fitness and other arenas of entertainment. Starting from around May 2015, Mauro Oliveira, an individual who has blackmailed, extorted and stalked Mr. Simmons for several years with the intention of destroying the career and reputation of Mr. Simmons, contacted several press outlets, including the National Enquirer and Radar, and offered information on Mr. Simmons’s disappearance in exchange for a fee,” Richard’s lawyers allege in the court filing.
Read more information at People magazine.