Richard Simmons Breaks Silence to Send ''Love, Strength and Compassion to All of the LGBT Community''

Fitness legend took to Facebook to comment for the first time

By Lily Harrison Jun 14, 2016 11:57 PMTags
Richard Simmons, 7/13Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Richard Simmons hasn't made a public appearance since 2014, but now he's speaking out about the ongoing rumors surrounding his personal life.

The 67-year-old also took to Facebook to share his thoughts on the Orlando mass shooting this past weekend at Pulse nightclub.

"Some tabloids have recently falsely reported that I am transitioning. In response, 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 fitness legend said in a statement on social media.

"We should not lose focus on showing love, strength and compassion to all of the LGBT community during these tragic times. My broken heart and healing thoughts are with the people of Orlando and all other victims of prejudice, bigotry and hate."

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Just last night, during a vigil, Lady Gaga took to the stage in front of thousands outside of Los Angeles' City Hall to read the names of all of the victims lost during the attack.

"I will not allow my anger and outrage over this attack to overshadow our need to honor those who are grieving truly for their lost ones," she told the crowd while fighting back tears.

"Lost members of the LGBT community, I hope you know that myself and so many are your allies. I can't help but feel that this level of hatred, like all prejudicial crimes, is an attack on humanity itself….Tonight, Orlando, we are united with you to remember."

Want to help? Equality Florida, the state's largest LGBT rights group, launched a GoFundMe campaign for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting.