Richard Simmons is setting the record straight, in a compassionate way.
After the fitness instructor, 67, was hospitalized earlier this month, there were headlines that Simmons was being held against his will at his Hollywood Hills home, and that he was 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.
In a Facebook post Tuesday, he wrote, "... 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."
The former TV personality focused the rest of the post on how supportive he is of LGBT community. He ended with: "My broken heart and healing thoughts are with the people of Orlando and all other victims of prejudice, bigotry and hate."
The photo associated with the Simmons' Facebook post encouraged fans to find the truth within the lies.
