A significant shift is underway in Hollywood as news breaks regarding the marriage of actress denise Richards and her husband, aaron Phypers. After six years together, Phypers has reportedly filed for divorce, initiating legal proceedings that could mark a new chapter for the high-profile couple. The filing cites the common grounds of “irreconcilable differences.”
Court documents filed in Los Angeles on July 7 confirm that Aaron Phypers is seeking dissolution of the marriage. The date of separation was listed as July 4, coinciding with the Independence Day holiday. This official step towards ending their union comes as a surprise to some, particularly given Denise Richards’ recent public comments about the strength of their relationship.
The Filing Details: What Aaron Phypers is Asking For
Beyond citing “irreconcilable differences,” the divorce petition outlines specific requests from Aaron Phypers. According to the legal paperwork, Phypers is asking the court to order Denise Richards to pay him spousal support. This suggests a potential financial dispute in the separation process.
Phypers has also reportedly requested that certain personal assets be awarded specifically to him. These items include his power tools, motorcycle, and a sports car. Additionally, the filing indicates a request for the couple’s shared business entity, Smoke & Mirrors Entertainment company, to be divided equally between them.
Six Years of Marriage: From Malibu Vows to Court Papers
Denise Richards, 54, and Aaron Phypers, 52, tied the knot in a Malibu ceremony in September 2018. Their wedding took place just days after their engagement was confirmed, a whirlwind start to their six-year marriage. At the time, Richards expressed immense happiness, reportedly calling Phypers “the love of my life.”
Their relationship and blended family dynamic have been publicly featured. They appeared together on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and more recently starred in their own Bravo reality series, “Denise Richards & Her Wild Things.” This show offered viewers a glimpse into their daily lives, family interactions, and professional collaborations.
A Blended Family Dynamic
Denise Richards is mother to three daughters. Sami Sheen, 21, and Lola Sheen, 20, are from her previous marriage to actor Charlie Sheen. Her youngest daughter, Eloise Richards, 14, was adopted in 2011. In 2019, Aaron Phypers legally adopted Eloise, solidifying his role as a father figure in the family. The divorce filing confirms there are no minor children specifically born of this marriage between Aaron and Denise.
The family dynamics were recently highlighted on their reality show and in interviews. Their show provided a candid look at family life, including challenges.
Whispers of Strain and Public Comments
The divorce filing follows a period where there were public hints of potential strain, though Denise herself had offered positive portrayals of the marriage. Just months before the filing, in April, Denise’s oldest daughter, Sami Sheen, spoke about her relationship with Aaron Phypers on the “Casual Chaos with Gia Giudice” podcast. Sami candidly stated they were “not even that close” and didn’t “ever hang out, we never talk.”
Despite describing their relationship as distant, Sami Sheen did express support for her mother’s marriage to Aaron, noting that he “makes her happy.” She also mentioned that Aaron was supportive of her work, including her presence on the OnlyFans platform.
Conflicting Public Portrayals
Interestingly, just one month prior to Sami’s comments, in March, Denise Richards had spoken positively about her marriage. In an interview with Bravo’s The Daily Dish, she described Aaron as her “best friend” and emphasized how much they enjoyed each other’s company. Richards offered advice to other couples, particularly parents, stressing the importance of prioritizing “staycations” or dedicated time alone together away from daily distractions to maintain romance and connection.
However, moments captured on their reality show offer a different perspective. Confessionals reportedly included Denise admitting that being married to her “is not easy.” Aaron Phypers was also quoted on the show echoing that sentiment and stating, “This is it. I’m done.” Denise herself had previously stated her strong intention not to get divorced again, even suggesting alternative living arrangements if necessary. The official filing indicates that, despite those intentions, the marriage has reached a point of legal dissolution.
Financial and Legal Backdrop
Public records and external reports reveal a complex financial and legal landscape surrounding Aaron Phypers. Prior to the divorce filing, Phypers and his wellness company, Quantum Epigenetics Consulting LLC, faced significant legal challenges.
In January, Phypers was sued for fraud by a creditor seeking to recoup $228,000 related to an unpaid loan from 2019. Although Phypers had reportedly settled the case and agreed to monthly payments, the creditor claimed payments stopped by February 2024. A judge subsequently allowed the full lawsuit to proceed. In a notable development related to this case, the creditor reportedly sought to target Denise Richards’ wages to cover her husband’s debt. Phypers’ lawyer argued against this, questioning the legal basis for seizing Denise’s income, suggesting that their marital status for the purpose of asset seizure could be disputed despite their public union and wedding ceremony.
Separately, Aaron Phypers is also facing a lawsuit from the widower of a woman who received treatment at his Malibu clinic. The lawsuit alleges Phypers promised a stem-cell transplant would improve a terminal cancer diagnosis and even offered a partial refund if unsuccessful. The suit claims the $126,000 treatment was ineffective and Phypers failed to refund the promised amount. These legal entanglements add another layer of complexity to the current divorce proceedings.
Public Appearances and Shared Ventures
Despite the underlying legal issues and the eventual filing date, Denise and Aaron made public appearances together relatively recently. In May, they attended the Jonathan Foundation Fundraiser. At this event, they spoke openly about their youngest daughter Eloise’s health, who was diagnosed with chromosome 8 in 2016 and experiences developmental delays. They described Eloise as “amazing” and “thriving,” noting that she has taught them patience.
Beyond reality TV, Denise and Aaron also reportedly collaborated professionally on Denise’s OnlyFans content. Denise mentioned in a 2022 interview that Aaron assisted her with taking content for the platform.
The news of the divorce filing was first reported by TMZ, with E! News confirming the details shortly thereafter. As of the initial reports, representatives for Denise Richards had not publicly commented on the matter. Adding to the public timing observation, Denise posted a patriotic bikini photo on Instagram on July 4th, the date listed as their separation, without any public acknowledgment of the personal change.
The future for both Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers following this divorce filing remains to be seen. The legal process will now determine the division of assets, potential spousal support, and other details related to the dissolution of their marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Aaron Phypers file for divorce from Denise Richards?
According to court documents filed in Los Angeles on July 7, 2025, Aaron Phypers cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for filing for divorce from Denise Richards. This is a standard legal term used in divorce proceedings to indicate that the couple cannot resolve their issues.
What is Aaron Phypers asking for in the divorce filing?
In the court documents, Aaron Phypers is reportedly requesting spousal support from Denise Richards. He is also asking to be awarded specific personal assets, including his power tools, motorcycle, and sports car. Additionally, he requests that their shared business, Smoke & Mirrors Entertainment company, be divided equally (50/50).
Does Aaron Phypers have other legal or financial issues?
Yes, reports indicate Aaron Phypers has been facing separate legal challenges. He was sued for $228,000 over an unpaid loan related to his company, Quantum Epigenetics Consulting LLC, with the creditor reportedly attempting to target Denise Richards’ wages. He is also facing a lawsuit alleging he failed to refund part of a payment for a stem cell treatment at his clinic that allegedly did not work as promised.
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