Richard Simmons cited for slapping man

  • Pages 1

Mar 25, 2004 | Exercise guru Richard Simmons allegedly slapped a man who made a sarcastic remark about one of his videos, police said.

Simmons, known for his "Sweatin' to the Oldies" series of exercise videos set to songs from the 1950s and 60s, was cited for misdemeanor assault.

A fellow passenger recognized Simmons on Wednesday night at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport as he was waiting for a flight to Los Angeles, police said.

The man "made the off-hand comment, 'Hey everybody. It's Richard Simmons. Let's drop our bags and rock to the '50s,'" said Phoenix police Sgt. Tom Osborne. "Mr. Simmons took exception to it and walked over to the other passenger and apparently slapped him in the face."

The passenger, whose identity wasn't immediately available, wasn't injured but told police that he intended to file charges against Simmons, 55.

Osborne said Simmons was cited for misdemeanor assault and permitted to board his flight.

Recent Stories

Palin: A "maverick" move or a nod to the GOP base?
She adds youth -- and inexperience -- to the 72-year-old McCain's ticket, but she is a by-the-book social conservative.
Liquoring up the Democrats
Corporations with business pending in Washington spared no expense on Denver parties.
American revolutionary
In his acceptance speech, Barack Obama stood up for Democratic values, took the fight to McCain -- and proved that the United States is still capable of reinventing itself.
John Kerry: I learned my lesson in 2004
The 2004 Democratic presidential nominee talks about his blistering attack on John McCain in Wednesday's speech -- and what he should've done differently four years ago.
Biden -- and Kerry and Clinton -- go on the attack
Before Barack Obama's surprise appearance, a tag team of Democrats, including Bill Clinton, piles on John McCain. And Joe Biden, Rove-style, goes right for McCain's supposed strength.

Daily Newsletter

Get Salon in your mailbox!