Denise Richards, the actress and star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, recently shared the emotional story of the difficult day she had to inform her daughters about their father, Charlie Sheen’s, HIV-positive diagnosis. The couple, who were married from 2002 to 2006, has two daughters together: Sami, now 21, and Lola, 19. While Richards has since remarried Aaron Phypers and adopted a third daughter, Eloise, the family’s journey has been far from easy, especially when it comes to dealing with public controversies surrounding her former husband.
A Mother’s Protection and the Shocking Revelation
Richards, known for her candidness and openness, explained how challenging it was for her to have to address Sheen’s HIV diagnosis with her daughters, especially since it came as such a shock. In 2015, Sheen publicly revealed his status during an interview on The Today Show. Richards was caught off guard, as Sheen did not give her any warning before the announcement. This left Richards to pick up the pieces and protect her children from the harsh reality of the media storm that followed.
“I wish he gave me a heads up, like, ‘Hey, I’m doing it today,'” Richards shared on Jenna Kramer’s podcast. “It was everywhere, and I had to pick Sami and Lola up from school early because I didn’t want them to hear about it from anyone else.” Richards’ protective nature as a mother shone through as she worked quickly to shield her daughters from the media frenzy.
Denise Richards seen with daughters Sami and Lola Sheen (Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images)
Explaining the Unexplainable
The toughest part for Richards was the conversation that followed. She had to sit her daughters down and explain their father’s HIV diagnosis, something she admits was incredibly difficult. Richards explained that this was the first and only time she had to explain a public controversy involving their parents. “It was hard to explain to them what it was,” said Richards, still recalling the difficulty of that moment. “That was the only time.”
For the most part, Richards had always tried to protect her children from the negativity and scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. Despite the fame and attention that came with her career and her relationship with Sheen, she kept her children away from the public drama. However, the announcement about Sheen’s health left her no choice but to be honest with her kids.
Richards’ Journey After the Announcement
Since the public revelation, Richards has done her best to maintain a sense of normalcy for her children. She’s remained a pillar of support, showing resilience in the face of challenges. As a mother, Richards has always made her family her priority, even as she navigates her own career and public life.
While Richards and Sheen’s marriage was filled with public ups and downs, she emphasized how proud she is of her daughters and their resilience. “They’re growing up into strong women,” she said. “Despite everything that has happened, they have handled it all with grace.”
In her personal life, Richards has found a new chapter with her husband Aaron Phypers. The couple, who wed in 2018, have been happily building their family and even starred in their own reality show, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things. In the show, Richards opens up about her experiences, her marriage, and how she continues to navigate life in the spotlight.
Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards were married between 2002 and 2006 (Jim Spellman/WireImage)
A New Chapter: Embracing Support and Empowerment
In a recent episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Richards also discussed her new venture on OnlyFans. At 54, she has embraced the platform, finding empowerment in the process. “I’m in the top one percent of creators on OnlyFans, so I am very grateful,” Richards proudly shared. “It’s very empowering, especially for someone my age, that people still want to see me that way.” Richards’ openness about her journey on OnlyFans has also sparked conversations about body positivity, aging, and the empowerment that comes from embracing one’s identity in any stage of life.
Her husband, Aaron Phypers, has been supportive of her career on OnlyFans. Richards credits Phypers for his role as her personal photographer. “He’s so supportive. He knows what men love, and he’ll go through all the photos and say, ‘This is good. Do this. This is what guys like,’” she shared. This mutual support and understanding in their relationship have allowed them to create a strong partnership, both personally and professionally.
Looking Forward: Raising Strong Daughters
Despite the hardships, Richards is focused on raising her daughters to be strong, resilient individuals. She has always made it a point to protect them from unnecessary public scrutiny, but as they grow older, she knows they will have to face the challenges of the world on their own. In her own words, “For the most part, I really try to shelter them from a lot of stuff.”
As her daughters move forward in their lives, Richards continues to be there for them, offering support and guidance as they navigate their own journeys. Whether dealing with her ex-husband’s health crisis or finding success in her career, Richards’ unwavering dedication to her children remains a constant in her life.
In conclusion, Denise Richards’ candidness about her life—her struggles, her triumphs, and her commitment to her children—offers an inspiring example of resilience. As she continues to thrive in her career and personal life, she remains grounded by the love and support of her family.
For more insights on how to navigate difficult conversations with your children, check out these articles:
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Denise’s story reminds us of the importance of staying true to ourselves and supporting our loved ones through the toughest times, no matter the circumstances.
