Richard Simmons is alive and not depressed.
Despite last week's rumors that the fitness guru was depressed over his knee injury, which was keeping him from exercising, and the death of his dog, a representative for Simmons said the reports are false.
Simmons spokesperson Thomas Estey told New York Daily News that the 66-year-old is "not clinically depressed or a shut-in or a recluse."
"The truth is very simple, he has a knee injury, and it's serious enough to keep him from doing what he loves most: exercising and motivating others," Estey told the New York Daily News.
"It would be like Tiger Woods having a shoulder injury that stopped him from golfing, but in this case it's compounded by a thousand because Richard has dedicated his life to others, and right now he can't exercise or travel and take his message to the people in person."
Speaking on the death of Simmons' dog, Estey told the publication that the dog passed away nearly a year and a half ago. Estey also dismissed rumors that his client has suffered a dramatic weight loss, saying Simmons is "presently at the same weight he was when he released his first 'Sweatin' to the Oldies' video."
Last week, TMZ reported that Simmons had not been photographed in public since a charity event in early January. A source said that he stopped communicating with his friends and he has not shown up to his Beverly Hills fitness studio in weeks.
"In terms of him being out and about, he's going out," Estey said. "If he needs to wear a disguise, he'll wear a disguise. When you're Richard Simmons, it's not easy to get away with anonymity."
After the rumors emerged, Simmons released a statement on his Facebook page, which read, "I am so touched by the outpouring of love and concern I have received today. I have had a tough time dealing with this injury, as it is keeping me from doing what I truly love to do, and that is to teach classes around the world. Make sure you keep on sweatin'!"
