Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers’ divorce has drawn attention not only because of their high-profile marriage, but also due to the suddenness of their split. The couple, who wed in 2018 after a whirlwind romance, often showcased a united front on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and in interviews, where Richards praised Phypers for his support of her career and family. Now, Richards is speaking out about the bitter split. Here’s what she told her Instagram followers.

Denise Richards says she’s done pretending that nothing’s happening amid her divorce from Aaron Phypers

Aaron Phypers filed for divorce from Denise Richards on July 7, 2025, citing irreconcilable differences and marking their separation as of July 4. In his petition, Phypers requested spousal support and emphasized certain assets, like his power tools, motorcycle, and sports car, as separate property. The divorce quickly turned contentious. Richards obtained a temporary restraining order alleging multiple incidents of domestic violence, while Phypers denied the allegations and countered with claims that Richards failed to finalize the adoption of her daughter, Eloise.

Richards took to Instagram on Aug. 21, 2025, to speak about the divorce.

“I was just checking in to see how your summer’s going. Mine’s been wonderful,” Richards sarcastically says to the camera. “It’s actually been s***ty. But, I’m going to pretend like it’s all good. I’ve actually been posting on Instagram like nothing’s going on in my life, and I can’t do that anymore, because there’s something obviously going on.”

She then explains how everyone has been “so kind” in their messages to her. However, she can’t comment back, as she doesn’t want her comments leaked to the press.

“Many of you have been so kind and so supportive of me that I see all of your messages. I can’t comment … but I just wanted to, in all seriousness, say that this has been a very, very, very difficult time,” she continues. “It’s so hard to go through a divorce. Many of you have gone through that. This isn’t my first one, second one, and I never thought I’d get divorced again. This is why I always say ‘never say never.’ But, I really just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your supportive, kind, thoughtful, encouraging messages, because this has been a very difficult time.”

Denise Richards says she’ll eventually ‘talk about’ the divorce

Denise Richards isn’t fully ready to divulge the details of her divorce from Aaron Phypers. After the filing, Richards accused Phypers of physical abuse and was granted a temporary restraining order. She also accused Phypers of violating the restraining order. Phypers denied the allegations.

“I want to address recent rumors and speculation that have surfaced regarding my relationship with my wife, Denise Richards,” the statement to People reads. “Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone. These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful. Denise and I, like many couples, have faced our share of challenges, but any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue.I have always tried to approach our marriage with love, patience, and respect.”

While speaking to her Instagram followers, Richards said she’s not fully ready to discuss the divorce details.

“And there are circumstances around my divorce that are difficult to talk about,” she said, “which, one day, I will talk about it, when the time is right. I just want to process everything and get through this. So, it has not been easy.”

Aaron Phypers claimed his wife had a Vicodin addiction and an ongoing affair

In a letter to family and friends obtained by Page Six, Aaron Phypers claimed Denise Richards had a Vicodin addiction and an affair.

“For nearly a decade, she has struggled with an addiction to Vicodin (which she jokingly calls ‘Vitamin D’ or ‘white chestnuts’), mixed with Adderall and tequila,” his letter reads. “Some of you know this has been an issue for over 20 years. She’s no longer eating real meals, and I’ve witnessed her pass out from substances — putting herself and others in danger, including while driving with our daughter.”

As for the alleged affair, Phypers said Richards “begged” him not to leave her. “Then, she denied it all — even the explicit messages I found,” he continued. “Despite her promise to stop, more lies and shocking evidence emerged.”

For more news and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram.