Shore announced earlier this year that he was in discussions to portray Richard Simmons in a biopic about the fitness icon’s life. However, Simmons swiftly made it clear that he did not approve of the project.
“Hi Everybody!” Simmons wrote in January on his social media.”You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read.”
He added, “I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.”
This week, Pauly Shore informed Entertainment Tonight that he intends to proceed with the biopic despite Richard Simmons’ objections and his passing. Shore expressed uncertainty about whether Simmons himself was behind the tweets opposing the film, suggesting doubts about their authenticity.
On Wednesday, Simmons’ team responded, stating that Pauly Shore’s recent comments to Entertainment Tonight about pursuing an unauthorized film on Richard Simmons were noted. They pointed out that Simmons had previously addressed his views on the biopic directly on his account.
The staff also included a statement from Richard Simmons’ brother, Lenny, clarifying that Richard personally crafted his posts. According to Lenny, Richard would spend a week refining them and often reviewed them with Cathy and him to ensure the message was accurate.
Lenny also clarified that Richard never communicated with Pauly Shore via text, email, or phone, contradicting Shore’s claims of receiving such messages, including any well-wishes.