Denise Richards, a prominent reality TV star, has openly discussed her painful divorce from Aaron Phypers in an emotional Instagram video, marking her first public comments on the split and describing it as a profoundly difficult experience.
Denise Richards is a 54-year-old actress and television personality, best known for her role in films like ‘Wild Things’ and her time on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.’ Her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, is a businessman and former actor, and the couple married in 2018 after several years of dating.
In a heartfelt video posted to her Instagram account on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Richards broke her silence on the ongoing divorce proceedings. She candidly shared that she has been struggling behind the scenes despite maintaining a cheerful presence on social media, and she can no longer pretend that everything is fine in her life.
The video was shared from her likely home in California, where she resides, and it quickly spread across media platforms, garnering significant attention from fans and the press alike. This public platform allowed her to reach over 1.6 million followers directly.
Richards decided to address the divorce publicly because she felt compelled to be honest with her followers after receiving numerous supportive messages. She expressed that the summer has been particularly challenging, using strong language to describe it, and acknowledged the emotional toll of the separation, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
She delivered the message through a raw and unscripted video, where she appeared emotional and genuine. Richards revealed that this is her second divorce, having previously ended her marriage to actor Charlie Sheen in 2006, and she never expected to go through another divorce, which adds to her heartbreak.
The impact of her openness has been largely positive in terms of fan support, with many expressing empathy and encouragement through messages that brought her to tears. However, the public scrutiny and media coverage add pressure to an already stressful situation, potentially affecting her mental and emotional well-being during this period.
Looking ahead, Richards plans to share more details about the ‘difficult circumstances’ surrounding the divorce when she feels ready, promising transparency in the future. She also intends to continue engaging with her audience by posting about her life, including updates on recent health issues and surgeries, once the timing feels appropriate and not insensitive to the ongoing situation.