The actress and reality TV star breaks her silence on social media, calling her split from Phypers both painful and complicated, while thanking fans for their overwhelming support.
Denise Richards is finally speaking out about her ongoing divorce from Aaron Phypers, marking an emotional turning point in a turbulent chapter of her life.
In a candid video shared to social media on Thursday, the actress and reality TV star, 53, began by checking in with fans, asking how their summer had been. She then quickly shifted to honesty about her own.
“Mine’s been wonderful,” Richards said sarcastically, before pausing. “It’s actually been sh—y. But I’m gonna pretend like it’s all good. I’ve actually been posting on Instagram like nothing’s going on in my life, and I can’t do that anymore, because there’s something obviously going on.”
A Painful Split
Richards, who married Phypers in 2018, revealed that her husband legally filed for divorce in July. Their marriage, once highlighted on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has ended in acrimony.
The split has been contentious, with Richards accusing Phypers of domestic violence and filing for a restraining order. Phypers denied the allegations, claiming instead that Richards failed to complete adoption paperwork for her daughter Eloise — a process he had been involved in.
Despite the painful circumstances, Richards repeatedly expressed gratitude to fans for their kindness. “Many of you have been so kind and so supportive of me that — I see all of your messages — but I can’t comment, because it would be taken out and put in the press,” she said. “But I just wanted to, in all seriousness, say that this has been a very, very, very difficult time.”
A Familiar Heartbreak
Richards acknowledged that divorce is never easy, noting that she has lived through it before. From 2002 to 2006, she was married to Charlie Sheen, with whom she shares two daughters, Sami and Lola.
“I never thought I’d get divorced again,” Richards admitted. “This is why I always say, ‘Never say never.’”
The Wild Things star also reflected on how difficult it has been to keep up appearances online while privately managing heartbreak. “It’s so hard to go through a divorce,” she said, adding that there are aspects of her situation she is not yet ready to publicly discuss.
“When the time is right,” she explained, “I just want to process everything and get through this.”
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
While Richards touched briefly on recent reconstructive surgery, she chose not to elaborate, saying it would “look inappropriate” and “seem insensitive to what I’m dealing with.” Still, she made it clear she intends to continue sharing her life openly, despite the struggles she is facing.
“This has been incredibly hard,” Richards reiterated. “But the love and support I’ve received from so many of you makes me want to cry. It means the world.”
As she navigates the difficult road ahead, Richards’ vulnerability and resilience serve as a reminder that even in the public eye, healing is deeply personal — and sometimes, the bravest thing one can do is to simply admit: it’s been hard.
