Denise Richards On A Revenge Path After Shocking Divorce

The move to make sure her estranged husband will not be living off her money comes after Richards received support from “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alums Teddi Mellencamp and Erika Jayne.

Aaron Phypers filed for divorce from Denise Richards, ending their nearly six-year marriage and citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason.

Sources close to Richards say she was completely blindsided when Phypers filed to end their nearly six-year marriage last week.

Richards reportedly believes Phypers made a massive mistake both emotionally and financially. A source shared, “Aaron wanted to hurt her, and he has. Meanwhile, the last thing he wants is to be broke – so she’s cutting off his cash flow.”

According to The Daily Mail, Richards has not yet officially responded to the filing but is reportedly weighing her options carefully. Insiders also say she is “furious” that he filed, especially after making it clear she did not want another divorce.

The split comes with a hefty financial demand; Phypers is asking Richards to pay $105,000 a month to cover his expenses, despite not having worked since closing his Malibu wellness center, Q360 Club, in October 2024.

Phypers says he has no income, but his lifestyle tells a very different story. In divorce documents reviewed by the outlet, Richards’ soon-to-be ex-husband claims he earns “zero” dollars per month, yet submitted a detailed list of monthly expenses totaling more than $100,000. 

Among his most significant requests are $20,000 for clothing, $15,000 for entertainment, $10,000 for groceries, and $5,000 for laundry. The 52-year-old also states that he requires $18,000 for rent, $7,000 for childcare, and $8,000 for utilities.

He included $1,500 for auto costs, $500 for his phone, and requested full ownership of his 2018 motorcycle and all of his power tools. Meanwhile, Richards is reportedly telling friends there is no way she can meet these demands, especially since Phypers has been relying on her income for years.

Despite contributing little financially, sources say Phypers expects Richards to keep funding not just his lifestyle but also the needs of his extended family, who live in her Calabasas home.

“He does a lot for her – he effectively works for her. But his family is a huge financial burden; they live in her house in Calabasas,” one insider claims.

Richards’ marriage to Phypers did not just fade; it went up in flames over the Fourth of July weekend. The Blast reports that what began as yet another argument between the couple quickly spiraled into a profanity-laced fight that marked the end of their marriage. 

Although the official split is dated July 4, sources close to the star say that the fiery confrontation was the final straw that led to the separation.

“They have been having trouble for some time, but they had a row over the weekend where they basically were like ‘f-ck you,’ and he marched off to file for divorce,” an insider shared. 

Friends of Richards claim the relationship had become emotionally draining, describing it as “toxic.” “Denise is both devastated and relieved at the same time. She is mentally exhausted from the fighting, and she is glad that’s over,” the source added. 

Richards is not facing her divorce alone; two of her reality TV co-stars are coming in swinging. The Blast reported that “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alums Teddi Mellencamp and Erika Jayne had some choice words for Richards’ estranged husband on their “Two Ts in a Pod” podcast.

The pair did not hold back, calling him out over his demands for spousal support and his behavior since the split. Mellencamp and Jayne tore into Phypers for filing for divorce on July 7 and, in their view, trying to capitalize on it.

Jayne called him their “least favourite person,” while Mellencamp went even harder, saying, “You’re gross, douchelord. Sorry. Very few men do I despise as much as that guy. He’s easy to despise.”

What set them off even more was Phypers’ claim that he and Richards had no children together. The hosts pointed out he had been in Eloise’s life, Richards’ adopted daughter, for years and slammed him for trying to distance himself from the child to avoid legal responsibility.