Richard Simmons explains more than 2-year absence Public

Richard Simmons has been kidnapped denies that and says he has "just been taking it easy" since he made his last official public appearance in 2013.

"I'm not kidnapped," Simmons, 67, said in a telephone interview with "Entertainment Tonight" on Sunday. "I'm in my house right now."

"I love all people who care about me," fitness guru. "But it was time for me to take some time to be alone. Over the past 40 years I have been traveling, teaching, and he had a knee injury, so I had a knee replacement, which was very difficult for me. I've been taking it really is just easier to stay home, working on my fitness and doing things I have not done in a long time. "

Simmons, who last appeared in public at the parade on Thanksgiving Day 2013 Macy, spoke after a report in the New York Daily News published over the weekend expressed concern that he was being held against his will in his Hollywood Hills mansion. The report cites "close friends". Simmons

One of those friends concerned about welfare is Mauro Oliveira Simmons, Simmons' former assistant.

Oliveira, who last saw Simmons two years ago, little self-published an eBook entitled, "Rich King and the Wicked Witch", which affirms loves female keys Simmons has control over him through his magic.

"That's what I think," Oliveira told ABC News' Nick Watt. "I said, 'Is control of your life now?' and he said, "Yes". "

Oliveira said Watt believes that staff members Simmons you are carrying out for your money.

"The house alone is worth $ 10 million," Oliveira said Simmons's mansion.

Simmons 'housekeeper did not respond to ABC News' request for comment.

Representative Simmons, Tom Estey, called the claims that Simmons is being held against his "absolutely false" will.

"It's ridiculous because this is really a non-story," Estey told ABC News.

Simmons told himself "Entertainment Tonight" those around him are "wonderful".

"No one should be worried about me," said Simmons to "ET". "People around me are wonderful people who take great care of me."

Simmons also put to rest rumors that he has avoided the public eye due to weight gain.

"I still weigh 150," Simmons said. "I work every day. I have a home gym, and I'm very healthy."

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