Richard Simmons Breaks Down In Tears During LAPD Welfare Check
Mar. 15 2016, Updated 2:42 p.m. ET
Richard Simmons broke down in tears during an LAPD welfare check at his home, RadarOnline.com has learned, after someone contacted law enforcement claiming elder abuse.
Richard Simmons broke down in tears during an LAPD welfare check at his home, RadarOnline.com has learned, after someone contacted law enforcement claiming elder abuse.
LAPD went to Simmons house for a welfare check on January 24, 2015, after cops received an tip he was being abused. Cops met with Simmons for over an hour.
During the meeting, Simmons, "was questioned away from his housekeeper and anyone else in the house," an insider told Radar. "This is commonly done during welfare checks to make sure the person knows they can say anything, and are safe. Richard was happy to know that his fans were concerned. He had a range of emotions during the interview and did shed a few tears."
However, Simmons, 67, was "adamant that there was nothing amiss," the source said. "No one was holding him hostage. He just wanted to take a break from the spotlight. He revealed there was pain with an ongoing knee injury and that he did feel overwhelmed at times. He said he had been going to doctor appointments."
"The housekeeper was also questioned separately and even offered to go down to headquarters for further interviews," said the source. "Richard was upset that she was being scrutinized, but she understood it and was very cooperative."
"Cops concluded Richard was in no danger, and explained they had to come out and investigate it," the source said. "He was very sweet about the whole thing. It just seems like for the first time in his adult life, he was putting himself first."
The workout guru's pals became concerned when he started missing important events and obligations over the last couple of years.
Simmons called TODAY co-host Savannah Guthrie on Sunday night for a recorded telephone interview. "Richard personally called Savannah. They obviously wanted to do an on camera interview, but he declined at this time," the source added.