Fitness guru Richard Simmons's close friends have lashed out at his spokesman's claims that he is not clinically depressed following a knee injury and the death of his pet dog, arguing: 'He is not ok.' On Friday, Simmons's longtime spokesman, Thomas Estey, said the 66-year-old - who has not been seen in public for months - is 'sad' that the 'serious' injury to his knee has sidelined him professionally However, he shot down earlier claims the star had become a recluse in his Hollywood mansion due to 'paralyzing depression' over his poor health and the death of his beloved Dalmatian, Hattie, aged 17.
@highlight
Friends of fitness guru Richard Simmons claim 66-year-old is 'not ok'
@highlight
Their last contact with star was March 10 and he has not phoned them
@highlight
He also failed to attend funeral of Joan Rivers, whom he was 'close to'
@highlight
'If Richard is really ok, he would pick up the phone and tell us to relax'
@highlight
Comes days after Simmons's spokesman denied star is hidden away
@highlight
Thomas Estey said: 'He's not clinically depressed, a shut-in or recluse'
@highlight
Simmons's housekeeper told MailOnline he is 'perfectly fine' at home
@highlight
Contradicts claims Simmons is upset over knee injury and dog's death
Furthermore, Simmons was reportedly close with actress @placeholder, who died from complications of routine throat surgery in September, yet did not attend her funeral.