Don't diss Rich.
The 55-year-old exercise guru was cited Wednesday at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport for slapping a fellow passenger, Harley-Davidson salesman Chris Farney, 23.
Yesterday's Washington Post story had the full scoop.
It seems some guy recognized Simmons while they were waiting for their flight to L.A.
"Hey everybody, It's Richard Simmons. Let's drop our bags and rock to the 50s," said the man. Simmons took exception to this, and walked over to the man and slapped him in the face.
The passenger wasn't injured but told police he intends to file charges against Simmons, 55. Simmons was cited by police for misdemeanor assault but was permitted to board the flight.
Bet they didn't seat these two guys side-by-side.
Two observations. First, you or I would not have been permitted to go ahead and board, but would have had to miss our flight - at the very least. Being a V.I.P. sometimes is a good thing. On the other hand, if Simmons weren't a V.I.P., the whole thing would never have happened.
Second, this kerfuffle should bring the victim about $10,000, a nice little chunk of change, in exchange for dropping the charges and making the whole thing go away. Not to worry: for Simmons, it's pocket change, not even a rounding error. And, it's tax-deductible as a business expense.
I wonder if perhaps Simmons is having a delayed menopause. Estrogen might be just the ticket.
Article comments
1 - Jim Carruthers
Considering the guy he slapped was a Harley-Davidson salesman, in his early 20s, over six feet and over 200 pounds, I'd say, Simmons stepped up and proved who the real sissy is.
Yep, way to build a rep Chris I can just seeing him using this as a pick-up line: "yep, I got slapped by Richard Simmons, and he called me a bitch".
Luser.
2 - Mac Diva
When I read the news story yesterday, I wondered about the use of the word 'slap.' Was it really a slap? Or is it being called a slap because Simmons is effeminate? If he were less 'sissified' would his blows be described as punches?
Anyway, as Jim points out, Simmons has proven himself to be rather aggressive when it comes to being mocked.
3 - Jim Carruthers
Simmons should have taken his cue from Letterman, from his appearance on the Late Show when Simmons appeared in a turkey costume, and Dave let loose on him with a fire extinguisher.
Thinking about it, if you are a celebrity, shouldn't you get some sort of mis-behavior card, like demerits on a license?
Loose enough points and you loose your fabulous license.
Note to OJ, no way does this cover murder.
4 - Mr. Bojangles
WEll I was pretty mad when Richy there was so rude. But I still eat ketchup on bannas and thats that.
5 - Mr. Bojangles
WEll I was pretty mad when Richy there was so rude. But I still eat ketchup on bannas and thats that.
6 - Mr. Bojangles
WEll I was pretty mad when Richy there was so rude. But I still eat ketchup on bannas and thats that.
7 - Slim Jim
Well, i mean, richard.. hes my savior. I was really really fat, i mean really. they called me obese clarice. But after rockin to the 50s, they now call me slim jim. yeah did i mention richy, as bojangles calls him, inspired me to have a sex change? ah, yes, a true profit, he is. Therefor he has every right to slap this man. You get him, Richy. Go girl.
8 - Slim Jim
Amen.
9 - Bobbelson, thor, bubba, sheniqua, chess man, napolean, ms mcmahon
Sarah drinks milk
straight from the cow.
ugh. really sick
10 - Chess Man
I AM APPAULED.
UGH
I MUST RETURN
HENRY AWAITS
ps-- richy. nice name.
11 - sr
Mr.Simmons has always impressed me as a kind caring man who would give you the shirt off his back. Please be conciliatory of him. sr