Is witchcraft behind Richard Simmons' mysterious disappearance? Former assistant claims the exercise guru's housekeeper is controlling him through black magic

Richard Simmons, who has not been seen in the public eye for more than two years, is being 'tormented' by witchcraft under the control of his housekeeper, his friend and former assistant claims.

Mauro Oliveira made new allegations that 'black magic' or 'witchcraft' is to blame for Simmons' disappearance after close friends have shown their concern for the fitness guru.

The pop culture personality who shot to fame in the 90s with his exercise videos Sweatin to the Oldies, was reportedly depressed after suffering from a knee injury and dealing with the death of his beloved dog Hattie. 

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Richard Simmons (left and right in 2013) is 'tormented' under the control of his housekeeper through witchcraft, his friend and former assistant claims. Simmons was last seen in public on January 1, 2014 at a charity event 

Mauro Oliveira made new allegations that 'black magic' or 'witchcraft' is to blame for Simmons' disappearance from the public eye after close friends have shown their concern for the fitness guru

In a new, detailed anecdote reported by the NY Daily News, Oliveira, who struck up a fast friendship with Simmons in 2013, recounted the details of their last meeting in 2014.

The massage therapist, former assistant, friend and visual artist visited Simmons' home after receiving a phone call from the 67-year-old saying the two needed to talk.

According to Oliveira, Simmons told him he wanted to be alone, and that the two could no longer see each other.

Shortly after, the 49-year-old Brazilian was thrown out of the house when Simmons' house keeper Teresa Reveles reportedly forbade him to go upstairs and shouted at Oliveira to get out.

Oliveira told the news website Simmons said 'yes' when he asked whether Reveles was controlling his life.

According to Oliveira, who struck up a fast friendship with Simmons in 2013, Simmons said he wanted to be alone and the two could no lnoger see each other. Pictured with two police at an undated LA benefit

Shortly after, the 49-year-old Brazilian was thrown out of the house when Simmons' house keeper Teresa Reveles forbade him to go upstairs and reportedly shouted at Oliveira to get out. Pictured, with Katy Perry in 2013

Oliveira said: 'I think it was [caused by] black magic, witchcraft. That’s not close to your culture, but to my culture in Brazil, and to Mexicans, that is a real thing. They invoke the spirits.'

He later said: 'It's extremely hard to explain to you how someone is when they are tormented by bad force. That's the thing. F***ing Teresa is putting black magic on him.'

Oliveira even wrote a self-published e-book recounting his impression of what has happened to Simmons.

Titled King Rich and the Evil Witch, Oliveira hopes the book can be adapted into a Broadway play. 

Oliveira said: 'I think it was [caused by] black magic, witchcraft. That’s not close to your culture, but to my culture in Brazil, and to Mexicans, that is a real thing.' He even published an e-book recount his version of events

In one of his last media appearances on CNN, Simmons teared up when the anchor asked him what he considered the greatest compliment. He said: 'That I just simply made them laugh, and that I gave them hope. Because with hope, you can cope'

Simmons attended the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York in November 2013, where he struck poses while riding on a float. 

It was one of his last public appearances. On New  Year's Eve of 2013, Simmons appeared on CNN to talk about making fitness resolutions, when he began tearing up.

Anchor Brooke Baldwin asked him what he told himself as he looked in the mirror in the morning, and he choked back tears when he responded: 'Try to help more people.' 

Later, when she asked him what he considered the biggest compliment, Simmons cried as he said: 'That I just simply made them laugh, and that I gave them hope. Because with hope, you can cope.'

In January 2015, TMZ reported the LAPD checked in at Simmons' house after they received a tip with an elder abuse claim.

Simmons was walking with a limp and answered the door with a beard, but he appeared to be in good health, law enforcement officials told the gossip site.

His longtime spokesman Thomas Estey previously said Simmons was 'sad' over the 'serious' injury to his knee, but refuted allegations that Simmons was depressed and had become a recluse. 

When Dailymail.com spoke to Reveles in 2014, she said: 'He's perfectly fine. He's home and he's fine.' 

Reynold Gideon, who lives directly opposite Simmons' house, said Reveles is adamant the sparkling fitness fanatic is merely 'resting'.

Simmons was last seen in public on January 1, 2014 at a charity event.

His longtime spokesman Thomas Estey previously said Simmons was 'sad' over the 'serious' injury to his knee, but refuted allegations that Simmons was depressed and had become a recluse