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Denise Richards has spoken out for the first time since Aaron Phypers filed to end their six-year marriage, giving fans a heartfelt update on the difficulties she is navigating. Sharing a candid video on Instagram on August 21, the 54-year-old actress reflected on what she called a "very difficult time."
"I was just checking in to see how your summer's been going," Richards began, sarcastically noting, "Mine's been wonderful. It's actually been s***, but I'm going to pretend like it's all good. I've actually been posting on Instagram like nothing is going on in my life, and I can't do that anymore because there's something obviously going on." She thanked her followers for their support, admitting, "It makes me want to cry seeing your messages because this is a very difficult time and you guys are all helping me through it."
Richards, who is also mom to daughters Sami and Lola with ex-husband Charlie Sheen and adopted daughter Eloise, addressed the emotional weight of her split. "It's so hard to go through a divorce ... this isn't my first one, it's my second one," she said. "I never thought I'd get divorced again. This is why I always say never say never." She added that there are "circumstances around my divorce that are difficult to talk about — which one day I will talk about it when the timing is right," emphasizing her need to first "process everything and get through this."
On July 7, 52-year-old Phypers officially filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for ending their marriage." Shortly afterward, Richards obtained a temporary restraining order against him, alleging repeated physical abuse during their marriage. Court documents detailed claims of violent choking, slapping, and other forms of aggression. Phypers denied the allegations, calling them "conjured up" and insisting he had "the real evidence."
The couple has also clashed over property and custody concerns. Richards requested that Phypers vacate their Calabasas rental home so she could collect her belongings and her dogs, claiming that he and his family left the residence "in a state of disarray." Phypers' side alleged Richards was attempting to "divert attention away from her adulterous affair" and described her recent court filings as "suspicious, but manipulative."
Despite the turmoil, Richards has remained open with her fans, sharing updates on reconstructive surgeries and personal challenges. "I was open and honest about having reconstructive surgery for a TV show that I did," she said. "But I also want to live my life and share that part of my life."
"I really just wanted to say thank you so much," she concluded.
