(WJW) – Fitness guru Richard Simmons is refuting claims that he had given his blessing for a biopic starring comedian Pauly Shore.
Responding to reports that Shore would be playing him in a movie, Simmons shared a rare statement on social media denying any involvement.
“You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” Simmons wrote.
Shore, who plays Simmons in an upcoming short film called “The Court Jester,” had talked with Entertainment Weekly earlier this week. The comedian said he had also made a deal with a production company for a separate project — feature film — with him as Simmons.
Shore also indicated that Simmons was aware.
“His people responded and they said that he loves me and he loves my mom and the [Comedy] Store and all that stuff. But at this time he just wants to lay low and not really be involved.”
But Simmons, in his Facebook post, said he doesn’t have “people.”
“I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist,” he said in the statement. “I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.”
Shore has not publicly responded to Simmons’ remarks, though he shared an Instagram video Wednesday outlining the circumstances that led to his involvement in the two projects.
“Weirder things have happened,” Shore said, before noting that his “Encino Man” co-stars Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan have both gone on to win Oscars for their recent work.
“If I get the opportunity to star in a Richard Simmons biopic, I will deliver,” Shore said.
“The Court Jester” premieres at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 19 before becoming available to watch on YouTube the following day, Shore said.
