Richard Simmons Talks Being Ridiculed In Inspiring Message To Fans

Fitness icon Richard Simmons has shared his experiences of enduring ridicule and mockery and the pain that comes with it while offering words of encouragement to his fans.

The comedian has been sharing inspiring messages with fans on social media over the past couple of days, asking them to "forgive" those who have "hurt" them.

Simmons' message comes amid swirling controversy surrounding an upcoming biopic centered on his life. He recently came out to disapprove of the movie, saying he never gave his permission for it.

The reclusive celebrity took to his Facebook account on Tuesday to open up about the pain of being ridiculed and mocked, going on to share an uplifting message with fans.

He noted that while he is aware that people make a mockery of him, he has since learned to love the person he has become over the years.

Simmons, who has inspired millions of fans to embrace fitness and healthier lifestyles throughout his illustrious career, also shared uplifting song recommendations for them to listen to during difficult times.

"For as long as I can remember, people have made fun of me," Simmons admitted. "And people still to this day make fun of me. But you know what? I am glad to be me! And you should be glad that you are you."

"Three songs to listen to: 'I Will Survive,' 'I Am What I Am,' and 'This Is Me.' These songs will uplift you," he added.

The 75-year-old media personality's reflection comes after the recent controversy over an upcoming biopic detailing his life story.

At the time, actor Pauly Shore announced that he would be playing the iconic fitness guru in the film, but Simmons went online to distance himself from the project, telling fans he never gave his approval.

Shore claimed that he had contacted the "Sweatin' to the Oldies" workout video instructor as he sought to secure his blessings on the project.

Speaking on the upcoming biopic, Simmons said on Facebook, "Hi Everybody! 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."

He added, "I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support. Richard."

According to Variety, the Wolper Organization - producers of the proposed biopic, came out to share their intentions behind working on the project, noting that it was to "honor" him and share his inspirational impact with many.

"While we would love to have [Simmons] involved, we respect his desire for privacy and plan to produce a movie that honors him, celebrates him, and tells a dramatic story," the production company shared in a statement with the news outlet.

They added, "We know he is deeply private, and we would never want to invade that; however, he is an amazing person that changed millions of peoples' lives, and the effect he has had on the world needs to be recognized."

Mark Wolper of The Wolper Organization also told the news outlet that the company is in "serious discussions with a major writer" to develop the movie as a "dramatic and heartfelt feature in the tone of 'Little Miss Sunshine.'"

After Simmons distanced himself from the biopic, Shore extended a message of support to the fitness guru, urging him to keep an "open heart" despite the controversies surrounding it.

Shore's words came after he received a standing ovation at a sold-out Sundance screening of his 10-minute short film about Simmons despite his refusal to participate in the project.

"Richard, what's up buddy? It's me again, sorry. Listen, watch the short," the actor told TMZ.

He continued, "Watch it with your open heart. Don't watch it coming into it like, 'I don't want to do this!' Watch it with your open heart, and just be vulnerable. What do you think of it? And if you feel that it's still messed up and that doesn't track with your integrity, then let us know."

"But in the meantime, we're going to try to move forward with this piece. We're going to look for writers. Let us know what you think of the short," he added.