Richard Simmons says he ‘never’ gave permission for biopic
Famous fitness instructor Richard Simmons has spoken out against a biopic being made about him.
On Wednesday, comedian and actor Pauly Shore announced that he would be starring in the unnamed film as Simmons, who was an instructor and motivator for over 40 years before leaving the public eye.
Simmons, 75, made a rare statement on social media saying he had “never given my permission” for the film that’s being developed.
He wrote on social media: “Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore.”
Simmons leads an aerobics class at an American high school in 2003. Pic: AP
“I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read. I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist,” Simmons added.
“I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support. Richard.”
Simmons, known for his trademark enthusiasm and humour, was one of the pioneers in the fitness world, providing eating programs and exercise regimes worldwide.
He starred in 65 fitness videos, which sold more than 20 million copies, according to his website, and had his own TV show series, The Richard Simmons Show, which ran for four years and received several Emmy Awards.
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Pauly Shore. Pic: AP
Shore’s statement announcing the biopic read: “I’m really excited about sharing Richard Simmons’ life with the world.
“We all need this biopic now more than ever. 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.”
The actor also replied to a tweet that said Simmons “doesn’t have to sign off” on the project, with “yup”.
Variety reported that the film is currently in development at Warner Bros subsidiary The Wolper Organisation, with additional casting under way.
The biopic announcement follows an unrelated short film also starring Shore as Simmons. The short film, titled The Court Jester, will premiere at Sundance film festival on Friday.
Shore landed the roles after his resemblance to Simmons became a meme on social media.
Entertainment
Gregg Wallace: Over half of allegations against MasterChef presenter substantiated, including one of unwanted physical contact
An investigation into Gregg Wallace’s “inappropriate behaviour” on MasterChef has found that more than half of the allegations against him have been substantiated, including one of “unwanted physical contact”.
MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK shared a summary of its report into historical allegations of misconduct against the 60-year-old presenter, carried out by independent law firm Lewis Silkin over seven months.
The report also said the number of sustained allegations made Wallace’s return to MasterChef “untenable”.
The investigation heard evidence from 78 witnesses, including 41 complainants.
There were 83 allegations against Wallace, and 45 of them were substantiated. All were related to MasterChef.
While the majority of the substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated.
One allegation of unwanted physical contact was substantiated.
Nearly all the allegations against Wallace were related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018, with just one substantiated allegation taking place post-2018.
Wallace and Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2014
Ahead of the publication of the summary, Wallace had said he had been “cleared of the most serious and sensational accusations” made against him.
Additionally, the report summary found that there were also 10 standalone allegations about other people between 2012 and 2018/2019, two of which were substantiated. Those people were not named in the summary.
The investigation found that complaints had previously been raised with the production company between 2005 and 2024.
Gregg Wallace on MasterChef. Pic: BBC/ Shine TV 2024
While the report flagged inadequate reporting procedures prior to 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine ahead of Banijay acquiring Endemol Shine in 2020, it said there were significant improvements to HR processes and training after 2016.
While the investigation said some formal action was taken by the BBC in 2017, it also noted the corporation held no information regarding concerns raised over Wallace centrally, resulting in issues being addressed as a first offence.
Sky News has tried to contact Gregg Wallace for contact today.
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