The news of Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers’ divorce has taken Hollywood by surprise. After six years of marriage, Phypers filed for divorce on July 7, 2025, citing “irreconcilable differences” and listing their separation date as July 4. As a fan of Denise’s work, from her iconic roles in Wild Things to her reality TV stints, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness hearing about this split. Let’s dive into the details of this unexpected breakup, what it means for Denise, and how it’s being received.
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A Love Story That Started with Promise
Denise and Aaron’s romance began in 2017 when she visited his Malibu healing center for “preventative DNA repair.” Their connection was instant, leading to a whirlwind engagement and a heartfelt wedding in September 2018, featured on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The couple seemed inseparable, often sharing glimpses of their life on Denise’s reality show, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things. Denise, a mom to three daughters—Sami, Lola, and Eloise—praised Aaron for stepping up as a stepfather, even adopting Eloise in 2019. Their public displays of unity made the divorce filing all the more shocking, especially after Denise vowed on her show in March 2025, “I’m never getting divorced again, even if we hate each other.”
The Divorce Filing: What We Know
According to court documents, Aaron filed for divorce in Los Angeles, requesting spousal support and claiming he has no income since closing his wellness business in 2024. He estimates Denise earns over $250,000 monthly from OnlyFans, TV, and brand deals, while his monthly expenses total $105,000, including $18,000 in rent and $15,000 in entertainment. He also asked to keep his power tools, a 2018 motorcycle, and a sports car as separate property. The timing of their separation—July 4—coincided with Denise’s patriotic bikini post on Instagram, sparking speculation about whether she was hinting at her newfound independence. Fans commented, “Is this a ‘divorce glow’ pic?” leaving many wondering about the subtext.
Denise’s Perspective on Divorce
This isn’t Denise’s first rodeo with divorce. Her 2006 split from Charlie Sheen was messy, marked by public scrutiny and allegations of his substance abuse. On her reality show and in interviews, Denise has been open about how that experience shaped her reluctance to end another marriage. In a 2022 podcast, she shared feeling guilty for breaking up her family with Sheen, saying, “I asked myself, ‘Would I want my daughters married to this man?’” Her determination to make things work with Aaron was clear, making this breakup feel like a profound shift. She hasn’t commented publicly yet, but her strength as a single mom and career woman suggests she’ll navigate this with grace.
What’s Next for Denise?
As Denise faces this new chapter, fans are rooting for her resilience. Her career, from Starship Troopers to her thriving OnlyFans account, shows her ability to adapt. Social media buzz, including posts on X, reflects mixed sentiments—some call Aaron “controlling” and hope Denise finds peace, while others speculate about financial disputes. With her daughters and a supportive fanbase, Denise is likely to focus on her family and projects like Denise Richards & Her Wild Things. This divorce may be a setback, but if anyone can turn it into a comeback, it’s Denise.