Rep denies reports claiming Richard Simmons is missing

LOS ANGELES, March 12 (UPI) -- Richard Simmons' publicist is shooting down reports claiming the fitness guru is missing or being held against his will in his own home.

"As I have stated in the past, these claims are untrue and preposterous," Tom Estey told People magazine.

"Richard, after 40 years of being in the spotlight, is now simply taking a break from the public eye and working behind the scenes to continue to help those millions of people worldwide in need of his assistance and on several projects to be announced soon."

The popular author and television personality has not been seen at public events for several years.