Richard Simmons Distances Himself from Unauthorized Biopic Starring Pauly Shore
In a rare social media statement, fitness icon and pop culture personality Richard Simmons has distanced himself from an upcoming biopic about his life starring actor and comedian Pauly Shore. The film, currently in development at The Wolper Organization, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers, has drawn criticism from Simmons, who has denied any involvement in the project.
Simmons’ Statement on Facebook
Taking to Facebook on Wednesday, Simmons addressed the upcoming biopic, expressing his lack of endorsement and emphasizing his desire for privacy.
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore,” Simmons wrote. “I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read.”
He continued, “I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.”
The Wolper Organization’s Response
Despite Simmons’ disapproval, The Wolper Organization remains committed to producing the biopic, expressing their respect for his privacy while aiming to honor and celebrate his life story.
“While we would love to have him involved, we respect his desire to privacy and plan to produce a movie that honors him, celebrates him and tells a dramatic story,” the company stated. “He is an amazing person, that changed millions of peoples’ lives and the effect he has had on the world needs to be recognized.”
Pauly Shore’s Excitement for the Project
Pauly Shore, known for his comedic roles and eccentric personality, expressed his enthusiasm for portraying Simmons in the biopic.
“We all need this biopic now more than ever,” Shore said. “Simmons represented mental health, getting people in shape and being his authentic silly self! Whenever he was on TV you could never take your eyes off of him and he brought such a joy to his appearances that represented nothing but a good time.”
Simmons’ Absence from the Public Eye
Simmons, once a ubiquitous figure in the media landscape, abruptly stopped making public appearances in 2014, leaving many speculating about the reasons behind his disappearance. Rumors and conspiracy theories circulated, including allegations of being held hostage by his housekeeper, which Simmons himself debunked in a phone interview with Savannah Guthrie on TODAY in 2016.
Legal Battles and Defamation Lawsuit
In 2017, Simmons filed a defamation lawsuit against the National Enquirer and Radar Online for publishing a series of articles claiming he had undergone gender reassignment surgery. The lawsuit was unsuccessful, and Simmons was ordered to pay around $130,000 in attorney fees to the media outlets and their publisher.
Conclusion
Richard Simmons’ decision to distance himself from the upcoming biopic highlights his desire for privacy and his discomfort with the unauthorized portrayal of his life story. While The Wolper Organization remains committed to producing the film, the lack of Simmons’ involvement raises questions about the authenticity and accuracy of the narrative. Ultimately, the impact of this biopic on Simmons’ legacy and the public’s perception of him remains to be seen.
Call to Action: If you’re interested in learning more about Richard Simmons, check out his official website or follow him on social media. You can also find more information about the upcoming biopic on The Wolper Organization’s website.