Denise Richards
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Denise Richards's private life is under intense scrutiny as her divorce from Aaron Phypers unfolds publicly. The couple separated in early July, with court documents revealing the Wild Things actress earns approximately £194,000 ($250,000) a month from her OnlyFans account.

Phypers filed for divorce on 7 July, citing irreconcilable differences and listing their separation date as 4 July. They had been married for nearly six years. Soon after, Richards was granted a temporary restraining order, citing multiple incidents of domestic abuse.

Money, Control and a Fractured Marriage

According to court filings, Richards brings in an estimated £2.3 million ($3 million) annually, primarily from OnlyFans, but also through brand deals and media appearances. Phypers says he was involved in producing her content, handling photography and creative direction, before shutting down his wellness business in 2024.

Now unemployed, he is seeking spousal support. Legal documents show Richards spends over £81,000 ($105,000) a month, including more than £5,400 ($7,000) on care for her youngest daughter, Eloise, whom she adopted in 2011.

Abuse Allegations Come to Light

In her statement to the court, Richards accused Phypers of repeated physical abuse. She alleged incidents of slapping, hair-pulling, strangulation and verbal threats, including one where he told her she would 'disappear' if she ever spoke out.

She also claimed to have discovered unregistered firearms and bulletproof vests in their home, describing them as part of a pattern of intimidation. The restraining order prohibits Phypers from contacting Richards or approaching her property. A full hearing is scheduled for 8 August.

Reality Series Pulled from Air

Earlier this year, Richards and Phypers launched a family docuseries titled Denise Richards & Her Wild Things. However, Bravo confirmed it would not return for a second season, citing the couple's divorce and Richards's decision to step away from filming.

Richards previously appeared on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where her personal life often played out in front of cameras. After officially leaving the show in 2020, she made occasional guest appearances but has since kept a relatively private profile.

Children and Legal Tensions

Richards has three children: two with ex-husband Charlie Sheen and one adopted. Court documents state she moved out of the couple's shared home in late 2023, citing rising emotional and physical tension.

Although custody is not part of the current legal dispute, Richards's legal team argues that Phypers's demand for financial support ignores his limited role in parenting, particularly his exclusion of Eloise in the divorce filing.

Public Support and Backlash

Richards has received strong public backing. Former RHOBH co-stars Teddi Mellencamp and Erika Jayne voiced their support during an episode of their podcast Two Ts in a Pod, calling Phypers's support claim 'tone-deaf' and 'inappropriate' in light of the abuse allegations.

Social media users have largely echoed those sentiments, praising Richards for speaking up and pushing for greater protections for abuse victims navigating legal proceedings.

What Comes Next?

With financial disclosures now submitted and a restraining order in place, the upcoming 8 August hearing will determine whether the protective order becomes permanent and if Phypers is entitled to any form of support.

Richards has remained quiet outside of her court statements. Phypers has not made any public comments. As the case continues, what is emerging is not just a high-profile split, but a deeper story about personal safety, motherhood and standing firm in the face of fear.