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Denise Richards Opens Up About Her “Difficult” Divorce From Aaron Phypers

Denise Richards Opens Up About Her “Difficult” Divorce From Aaron Phypers
  • PublishedAugust 21, 2025

Hi, I’m Jordan Collins, and while I *know* you probably already have opinions about celebrity divorces, let’s be real—you’re here because you need someone to break it down for you without the fluff. So, okay, fine, I’ll explain.

Denise Richards is not pretending everything’s fine anymore. The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, who turned 54 this year, recently broke her silence on her messy split from Aaron Phypers, her ex-husband of nearly six years. And trust me, it’s been anything but smooth sailing.

In an emotional Instagram post dated August 21, Richards got candid about how rough the past few months have been. She started with a bit of sarcasm—“Mine has been wonderful”—before admitting, “It’s actually been s—ty.” Yep, she’s been putting on a brave face online while dealing with one of the most emotionally draining experiences of her life. And if that sounds dramatic, well, welcome to divorce number two.

Richards, known for her roles in films like *Wild Things* and *Starship Troopers*, was married to Charlie Sheen from 2002 to 2006. Now, more than 15 years later, she’s navigating another high-profile split—and this time, it’s gotten legally ugly.

The drama officially kicked off on July 7 when Phypers filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences.” Their separation date? July 4. But things escalated quickly when Richards obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order against Phypers days later. According to court documents obtained by *The New York Post*, Richards accused Phypers of physical abuse during their relationship—including choking, slapping, and slamming her head into a bathroom towel rack. She also claimed he threatened to kill her if she reported the incidents to police.

Phypers, for his part, denied all allegations. He argued in court filings that he had been the one wronged financially and emotionally, claiming he was deprived of property, income, and access to their daughter, Eloise.

And speaking of Eloise—that’s where things get even more complicated. Richards adopted Eloise in 2016, and previously stated that Phypers completed the adoption process in 2019. But according to new court documents filed August 20 and first reported by *People*, Phypers claims those adoption papers were never officially filed. That means, legally, he may not be recognized as Eloise’s father despite raising her for over nine years. He called it “immeasurable harm” and accused Richards of maintaining control in their legal battle.

Throughout her Instagram video, Richards fought back tears and thanked fans for their support. “Many of you have gone through that,” she said. “This isn’t my first one—it’s my second one—and I never thought I’d get divorced again.” She also hinted at deeper issues behind the split, saying, “There are circumstances around my divorce that are difficult to talk about… One day, I will talk about it when the time is right.”

So what’s next? Well, the legal battle is far from over. With custody, adoption, and financial disputes still unresolved, this divorce saga is likely to drag on for months—if not longer. And considering both parties are now airing grievances in court and on social media, expect more twists and turns ahead.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Denise Richards’ latest chapter, it’s that no matter how glamorous your life looks from the outside, divorce is rarely pretty. Especially when children, money, and pride are involved. And honestly? You’re lucky I’m here to walk you through it step by condescending step.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and The New York Post, People Magazine
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Written By
Jordan Collins

Jordan Collins is a talented journalist known for their insightful takes on the world of celebrity culture. With a unique blend of wit and intellect, Jordan’s writing brings a refreshing perspective to both breaking news and in-depth features. They have a natural curiosity that leads them to uncover the stories that others might miss, always focusing on the bigger picture behind the headlines. When not chasing the latest gossip, Jordan enjoys photography, exploring new music, and advocating for social change through their work. Their commitment to fairness and representation is at the heart of every story they tell.