Denise Richards has expressed her dismay at the actions of her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers' family, who have "crossed a line" by launching a GoFundMe campaign. During her guest appearance on Tori Spelling's "Mispelling" podcast on January 8th, Richards, 54, said, "Say whatever you want about me, which they have. I'll deal with that after the divorce. But when you cross a line and bring my youngest daughter into trying to get money from strangers, it's outrageous."
Aaron's mother, Patricia Phypers, set up the GoFundMe page earlier this month to raise funds for her son's "legal defense" as his divorce from Richards continues. In the description on the website, she referred to Richards' youngest daughter, Eloise, 14, claiming that she "cared for Eloise for weeks" while Richards was traveling.
Richards expressed her hurt and shock at the campaign during Thursday's podcast episode. "It's hard enough going through a divorce and the loss of that, but then to discover who this person really is, that's what is beyond hurtful," she said. "To go to this level, to bring my daughter into it. It's more a personal thing. It is shocking, but whatever. I'm not surprised."
Us Weekly confirmed in July 2025 that Phypers filed for divorce from Richards after six years of marriage. She filed a restraining order against Phypers days later, claiming that he had been abusive during their relationship, which he has denied. Phypers was arrested in October 2025 and charged with two felony counts related to injuring a spouse and two felony counts related to dissuading a witness by force or threat. He was later released on bail.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Richards told listeners during Thursday's podcast episode that she does plan on speaking more about her situation with Phypers - just not yet. "I really want to get through my actual divorce, and then I will share," she said.
The entire situation has been a tumultuous one for Richards, who has been blessed with a great support system throughout the process. However, she explained that it has been "very daunting" watching her divorce play out publicly on reality TV. "It's different because on reality shows, our personal life is out there," she said. "On reality [TV], you can't pretend it's not happening."
