Rep: Richard Simmons is 'fine,' avoiding 'public eye'

Reports that beloved fitness instructor Richard Simmons is depressed, has become a recluse and is even being held against his will at his Hollywood Hills home are "ludicrous," his press representative tells USA TODAY.

Tom Estey says his long-time client Simmons "does not want to be in the public eye right now."

"Richard Simmons has been in the public eye for 40 years, and he’s opted out," Estey says. "It’s his right to do it. That’s the god’s honest truth. There’s nothing more to it than that."

The statement comes following a report in The New York Daily News entitled "The Haunted Twilight of Richard Simmons."  It cites sources both on and off-the-record that state Simmons, 67, "stopped returning calls and emails more than two years ago, behavior that is highly out of character." The report suggests Simmons is being "held against his will" and is purposely being kept away from friends and family.

Estey denied the report outright and insists Simmons is now content being behind-the-scenes. He adds that Simmons' "mental health is fine."

"I don’t want the readers of USA TODAY to think this man is a Howard Hughes recluse in his own home," says Estey. "He’s just not."

Similar reports of Simmons' alleged problems have surfaced in the past.

Richard Simmons says: 'I am not depressed'

TMZ reported in 2014: "Something is seriously wrong with Richard Simmons ... he disappeared for almost the entire year ... and we're told there's a physical problem that has led to debilitating depression."

At the time, Simmons put out a statement himself addressing the concerns, saying he had suffered from a knee injury.

"I am so touched by the outpouring of love and concern I have received today," Simmons said in 2014. "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."

Simmons ended the statement with: "I know I will see you all soon!"