Is Richard Simmons Transitioning To Female?

Rumors this month have had the world wondering if Richard Simmons will soon be addressing himself as female. While Simmons does have a rather flamboyant personality, he has never made any indication that he could be transgender.

To set the record straight, Simmons himself made a statement on Facebook this week, revealing that the answer is a big fat NO.

Simmons, 67, who shot to fame for being a cheerful and motivational fitness instructor, was hospitalized earlier this month due to dehydration. Two rumors surfaced shortly after. The first was that he was being held against his will in his Hollywood Hills home and the second was that he would be transitioning from male to female.

Simmons’ spokesman, Tom Estey, told USA TODAY in an email that the first tabloid report was “ludicrous.”

Simmons, himself, addressed the second rumor and wrote in a Facebook post, “I feel compelled to set the record straight and refute these lies. Although I am not transitioning, I have and always will be supportive of those who are going through their journey.”

He ended with: “My broken heart and healing thoughts are with the people of Orlando and all other victims of prejudice, bigotry and hate.”

So there you have it. Simmons will continue wearing his colorful spandex shorts as a male. With all appropriate parts still tucked inside neatly.