Denise Richards Vows Never to Marry Again After Painful Divorces
Denise Richards stated during an October 2026 appearance on The Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg Show that she will never marry again following two painful divorces, telling host Jenny McCarthy that marriage is no longer in her future while still remaining open to future romantic partnership and love.
Denise Richards Rejects Marriage After Two Divorces
The 55-year-old actress and former reality television cast member delivered her definitive stance on the institution of marriage during her podcast interview this week. Addressing host Jenny McCarthy, Richards stated plainly that she has permanently closed the chapter on walking down the aisle. “Will I ever get married again? Abso-f—ing-lutely not,” Richards said. “I don’t want that piece of paper.”
The declaration arrives as Richards continues to manage ongoing legal proceedings tied to her second divorce. She characterized her marriage to wellness practitioner Aaron Phypers in sharply critical terms, stating that she discovered she was treated as a product within a business arrangement rather than a spouse. Despite the disillusionment caused by her two high-profile marriages, Richards emphasized that she is not closing herself off to romantic connection entirely. “I would have a partner,” she said. “I want to fall in love again, so I don’t want to be bitter.”
The High-Profile Scrutiny of the Charlie Sheen Marriage
Richards first experienced intense public scrutiny during her marriage to actor Charlie Sheen. The two met in 2000 on the set of the film Good Advice, became engaged in December 2001, and married in June 2002. They welcomed two daughters, Sami in 2004 and Lola in 2005.
The relationship deteriorated rapidly. Amid her pregnancy with Lola at the six-month mark in March 2005, Richards sought a divorce due to accusations of Sheen’s substance abuse and violent threats, simultaneously obtaining a protective order. The divorce was finalized in 2006 following a difficult custody battle. Richards has since stated that she holds no regrets regarding the marriage because it brought her daughters, and she and Sheen eventually established a functional co-parenting dynamic.
The Legal Battle and Restraining Order Involving Aaron Phypers
Richards entered her second marriage over a decade later, beginning a relationship with Aaron Phypers in December 2017 before marrying him in September 2018 in Malibu, California. Phypers also began adopting Richards’ youngest daughter, Eloise, whom Richards adopted as a single mother in 2011.
The dynamic shifted in July 2025 when Phypers filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Days later, Richards obtained a temporary restraining order, accusing Phypers of physical and verbal abuse throughout the marriage and presenting photographic evidence of injuries. Phypers denied the allegations during a July 2025 court hearing, stating he never physically harmed or threatened Richards. Subsequent legal proceedings led to Phypers’s arrest on two felony counts of spousal injury and two felony counts of attempting to dissuade a witness through force or threats. On November 7, 2025, Richards was granted a five-year restraining order.
Reflecting on the turbulent period in an Instagram post at the turn of the year, Richards described 2025 as “one of the most painful years I’ve lived.” The ongoing legal battles and the emotional toll of both unions have solidified her resolve to reject the legal framework of marriage while preserving her openness to finding a companion.
