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Denise Richards has publicly condemned her soon-to-be ex-husband after a family fundraiser drew attention online. The actor says the campaign crossed a line by involving their youngest child and has responded forcefully while the couple’s divorce and custody fight move through court.
Richards’ sharp response after podcast appearance
Speaking on a popular podcast, Richards addressed accusations and public drama with measured anger. She said she expects criticism about her life and choices. But she drew a clear boundary when her daughter was brought into a public appeal for money.
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She described using their child to solicit donations as unacceptable. Richards declined to expand on every detail, saying she wants the legal process to finish before revealing more publicly.
What prompted the fundraising effort
The online fundraiser was started by Aaron Phypers’ mother after a court decision affecting the family home. The property, valued at about $3.3 million, was ordered returned to the landlord, triggering public posts that asked for financial help.
- The fundraiser framed the situation as a family crisis and emphasized the grandparents’ distress.
- It said the grandparents were worried about their granddaughter’s separation from her father.
- Donations fluctuated, and public records showed only modest sums raised at certain points.
Timeline: From marriage to public split
- 2011 — Denise adopted her youngest daughter.
- 2018 — Richards married Aaron Phypers, who helped raise the child.
- July 2025 — Phypers filed for divorce, beginning a contentious legal separation.
- Late 2025 — A judge ordered the couple to leave their Calabasas home after unpaid rent.
- November 2025 — Richards obtained a permanent restraining order alleging abuse; Phypers denies the claims.
Eviction, money claims and court motions
The couple was removed from their home after landlord actions tied to missed payments. Court filings show both sides are claiming financial harm.
Phypers’ legal requests
- Aaron sought an expedited hearing in his spousal support case.
- He told the court he risked homelessness without access to funds controlled by Richards.
- He denied any abusive behavior described in Richards’ filings.
Family voices and the public appeal
The fundraiser was launched by Phypers’ mother, who framed the effort as a plea from a grandparent. She described emotional and financial hardship and asked for help to reunite the child with her father.
That public appeal is what Richards called “outrageous.” She objected to the notion of involving their daughter in a campaign aimed at outsiders.
How the dispute affects the children
Richards is the mother of three daughters. Two older daughters were born from a previous marriage and are adults. The youngest, adopted, has been central to the custody disagreement.
- Sami and Lola are in their early twenties and publicly distant from the litigation.
- The youngest daughter remains in the middle of a legal custody dispute.
What’s next in court and media
Both sides continue to file motions. The judge will weigh custody, financial claims, and the restraining order. Richards says she will speak more after the divorce is finalized.
Meanwhile, the online fundraiser, legal filings, and media interviews keep the story in public view. That cycle is likely to shape public perception as the case advances.
