Fitness icon Richard Simmons has been ordered to pay nearly $130,000 to the National Enquirer and Radar Online, following a legal battle over alleged defamation.
Fitness icon Richard Simmons has been ordered by a court to pay nearly $130,000 to the National Enquirer and Radar Online. The legal battle stemmed from allegations of defamation made by Simmons against the publications.
The lawsuit dates back to 2014, when the National Enquirer published an article claiming that Simmons had undergone gender reassignment surgery. Simmons denied the allegations and filed a defamation suit against the magazine. Radar Online later published similar claims, leading Simmons to file a separate defamation lawsuit against that publication as well.
Richard Simmons Loses Big: Ordered to Pay $130,000
In the subsequent legal proceedings, the court determined that the publications had not met the legal burden of proving the truth of their claims about Simmons. The judge ruled that the publications had acted with "actual malice" in publishing the false allegations, and that Simmons had suffered damages as a result of the defamation.
The $130,000 awarded to the publications is intended to compensate Simmons for the harm caused by the false claims. The ruling sends a strong message that media outlets cannot publish defamatory content without facing consequences.
Richard Simmons Loses Big: Ordered to Pay $130,000
Simmons, who has been out of the public eye for several years, was laid to rest in a private funeral in Los Angeles on July 19, 2024. The fitness icon, known for his flamboyant personality and popular "Sweatin' to the Oldies" workout videos, passed away at the age of 76 on July 13, 2024.
The cause of Simmons' death was listed as "deferred," meaning that further investigation and testing are needed before a conclusive explanation can be given. His official cause of death is still pending.
Richard Simmons Loses Big: Ordered to Pay $130,000
In the wake of his passing, Simmons' family and friends have shared their sorrow and paid tribute to his legacy. His longtime publicist, Tom Estey, released a statement on behalf of Simmons' brother, Lenny Simmons, expressing their profound grief and asking for privacy during this difficult time.
Simmons' fans and the fitness community at large have also expressed their condolences and celebrated his impact on the industry. Simmons' upbeat personality and motivational messages inspired countless individuals to embrace healthy lifestyles and pursue their fitness goals.
Richard Simmons Loses Big: Ordered to Pay $130,000
As the legal battle over defamation concludes, the legacy of Richard Simmons will continue to be remembered for his contributions to the world of fitness and for his unwavering belief in the power of positivity.
