Richard Simmons’ housekeeper scoffed at his brother’s demand for the return of jewelry and other personal items left behind, In Touch can exclusively report.

Teresa Reveles, who worked and lived with Richard for nearly 36 years, filed a declaration as part of her battle with Richard’s brother, Leonard Simmons.

Richard died on July 13, 2024, at the age of 76.

His will appointed Teresa and Leonard to serve as coadminstrators of his estate.

Months after Richard’s death, Teresa filed a court case claiming Leonard had her sign documents, when she was grieving, that gave up her rights to serve as coadminstrator.

Teresa claimed she did not know what she was signing.

Her lawyer said, “Teresa was overwhelmed by Richard’s sudden death just a few days earlier, the morning’s events at the funeral home and Leonard’s unexpected scare tactics. Moreover, English is not Teresa’s first language.”

In her petition, Teresa asked the court to reappoint her to help manage Richard’s estate. In court documents, Teresa said she had fears Leonard was not following Richard’s wishes when it came to his estate and legacy. Leonard objected to Teresa’s petition and asked that she not be reappointed as coadminstrator.

Leonard argued, “Since voluntarily declining to serve as Co-Trustee, Teresa has demonstrated strong animosity towards Leonard, for reasons that he does not understand, and having the two of them serve as Co-Trustees would be counter-productive and almost certainly lead to the appointment of a corporate trustee,” his motion read.

In his filing, Leonard claimed Teresa took jewelry from Richard’s home after she was asked to leave. His motion read, “Although Teresa has her own home, she had a room in Richard’s house that she refused to vacate after his death. When she finally did leave, 76 days later, she took almost $1 million of Richard’s jewelry and other valuable pieces of fine art, which she has refused to return.”

Leonard said Richard’s song lyrics that he wrote for a Broadway play and various other personal items could not be found. He asked the court to determine that Teresa’s refusal to comply with his demands violates a “no contest” clause in Richard’s will — which could lead to her losing her entire inheritance.

In her newly filed declaration, obtained by In Touch, Teresa fired back at Leonard’s claims. She said the jewelry in her possession was gifted to her by Richard during his lifetime.

“After Richard’s death, I continued to live at the Residence and took care of some household matters such as purchasing food for and feeding the hummingbirds and squirrels which was important to Richard. Soon after Richard’s death, Joel Levy, Richard’s accountant, told me that Richard’s staff, including me, would continue to be employed and paid for six months after Richard’s death,” Teresa said.

She continued, “I received a letter dated September 17, 2024, from Leonard terminating my employment after 36 years and instructing me to vacate the Residence by no later than noon on Friday, September 27, 2024. I moved out of the Residence on September 26, 2024. She said, “Richard was incredibly generous and gave away his collectibles, possessions, and other lavish gifts to many people.”

Teresa said the jewelry in question includes two watches and seven rings.

“It is my understanding that Richard purchased all of the Gifted Jewelry before he signed the Trust in December 2012. Except for the Gifted Jewelry, I do not have or claim ownership over any of the other jewelry referenced or pictured in Leonard’s Petition,” Teresa’s motion read.

Teresa said Richard gave her the jewelry around the Thanksgiving holiday in 2014.

She wrote, “Richard came downstairs to the kitchen of the Residence with several pieces of jewelry and put them on the kitchen table. Richard placed a pink diamond ring on my finger and told me he was giving it to me. I was shocked but accepted this generous gift. Later that day, at around dinner time, Richard told me that he was giving me all the rest of the Gifted Jewelry on the kitchen table, saying that he would not wear it again and wanted me to have it. I thanked Richard for his generous gifts and took all the Gifted Jewelry that Richard gave me to my room where I kept it until I left the Residence on September 26, 2024.”

Teresa said she had no idea about Richard’s missing Broadway lyrics but admitted having personal notes he left her. In addition, she said Leonard asked for Richard’s exercise clothes described as his “signature” workout outfits as part of his fitness programs.

Teresa said she has three pairs of striped shorts that belonged to Richard.

Teresa explained, “Before he died, Richard was in the process of cleaning out his closet and placed clothing in the guest room to be donated to charity. After Richard died, I saw the three pairs of striped shorts in the guest room with the clothes to be donated.” She continued, “I took these shorts to remember my nearly 36 years with Richard.”

She added, “I would like to keep the three pairs of striped shorts to remember Richard by, but will turn them over to the Trust if requested. I do not have or know the whereabouts of any other “exercise clothes” that Leonard claims are missing.”

Her lawyer added, “Richard is rolling over in his grave. Fortunately, the Court is empowered to quickly dispose of Leonard’s selfish and misguided thuggery.”

The court has yet to rule.

As In Touch first reported, in December 2024, the court appointed Teresa as interim successor co-trustee of Richard’s trust. The decision means she will have some control over Richard’s estate until a final determination in the ongoing legal battle.