Denise Richards is open to returning to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills after years away from the main cast. The actress says her former husband, Aaron Phypers, played a role in her decision to leave the Bravo show. She has also shared why her first run on the reality series was difficult. Now, Richards appears ready to give the show another chance.
Denise Richards says Aaron Phypers influenced her decision to leave RHOBH
During an appearance on The Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg Show, Richards answered a question about returning to the series. “Yeah! Actually, I did some episodes last season. But yeah, I would,” she said. Richards joined the main cast for seasons 9 and 10 before leaving after a storyline about an alleged encounter with Brandi Glanville emerged. She also appeared as a guest in seasons 13 and 15.
Richards said her first run on the show left her feeling isolated. “It was a hard thing,” she explained, adding that she felt almost nobody liked her except Garcelle Beauvais. She said that feeling partly drove her decision not to return for a third season. Richards also cited Phypers as another reason for leaving.
“He was a big part of me not going back,” Richards said of her ex. She suggested he may have worried that the show would reveal something about him. Richards and Phypers separated in July 2024 and have since faced a bitter divorce and legal battle. Their disputes include financial and property matters, along with domestic violence allegations from both sides.
The legal fight has continued alongside Richards’ interest in reality TV. She received a five-year restraining order that requires Phypers to stay at least 100 yards away from her. In February, a court also ordered Richards to pay $25,000 toward his legal fees, another $5,000 for a forensic accountant and $5,000 per month in temporary spousal support. Meanwhile, RHOBH is filming season 16, with Leah Remini and Tracy Tutor joining the cast as Richards considers a possible return.
