Oliveira presents the most solid evidence of Simmons’ mental and emotional state, because his access to the mansion was more recent than others’. But even he has been left with a dearth of concrete, up-to-date information, leaving friends to concoct theories, some more outlandish than others.
“I think tormented is the best word to describe his mental state,” Oliveira says. “I think it was (caused by) black magic, witchcraft. That’s not close to your culture, but to my culture in Brazil, and to Mexicans” — Teresa Reveles is from Mexico — “that is a real thing. They invoke the spirits. They light black candles, and red and blue candles. I’ve never participated. I only saw from a distance. But at services, they do special meals. They offer meals to the bad spirits, and light candles, invoking with words.”
THE TWISTED TALE OF RICHARD SIMMONS
No other words to describe this article appearing in the NEW YORK DAILY News besides 'high strangeness' .. Friends say that Richard Simmons, the exercising maven of the 20th century, has vanished into himself.. into his mind.. into his home. Madness has taken over. He has cut off contact with close associates and some haven't seen or talked to him in two years. They are also blaming his long time housekeeper.. from the DAILY NEWS long diatribe: