After nearly 1,000 days in hiding and a sudden hospitalization, The National ENQUIRER can now reveal the bombshell reason why Richard Simmons is no longer the man his fans used to know: He’s changed into a woman! 
 
 In an explosive world exclusive, The ENQUIRER can now reveal jaw-dropping never-before-seen photos of Simmons draped in furs and lingerie, living as a woman behind the walls of his Hollywood Hills mansion! 
 
 Insisted a friend, “[This is] not just Richard Simmons in drag. This is Richard dressed as a softly spoken woman named Fiona!” 
 
 Two years of secret surgeries have brought him to this point, said the source. From breast implants to hormones and more, he’s sparing no expense to make the transformation complete! 
 
 For more details of the secret life he’s been hiding from fans — and the CAN’T MISS photos of his new identity — pick up the latest issue of The National ENQUIRER, on stands now! ||||| 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."
– Richard Simmons' last public appearance was in 2014, E! reports, but he's been in the news quite a bit lately thanks to some weird kidnapping rumors, a hospitalization, and then most recently, a National Enquirer article claiming he was transitioning to female. That last thing prompted Simmons to come forward, at least on social media: "Some tabloids have recently falsely reported that I am transitioning. In response, I feel compelled to set the record straight and refute these lies," Simmons wrote on Facebook Tuesday night. "Although I am not transitioning, I have and always will be supportive of those who are going through their journey," he continued. "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."