Denise Richards has revealed that she was once pressured to keep silent about a sexual harassment claim to prevent being blacklisted in Hollywood. The 54-year-old actress confessed that early in her career, she considered filing a lawsuit but was discouraged from doing so. “I was told I would be blacklisted,” Richards shared, reflecting on the difficult position she found herself in.
“I felt so vulnerable. This was the career I wanted to do. To be told that you’re never going to work in an industry that you are passionate about, it’s a hard thing.”
Despite the challenges, Richards has carved out a successful career over the last three decades.
She expressed amazement at the positive changes in the industry, particularly since the #MeToo movement. “There definitely needed to be a change—and not just in the entertainment industry,” she remarked. “I am glad that women are able to have more of a voice and be more protected.”
Richards also noted that if she faced the same situation now, she would handle it differently due to her experience and established career.
Silent pressure in Hollywood’s shadows
“If that happened at this age, I would handle it differently, but I was so young and an unknown and [just] starting out.”
The actress and model’s comments coincide with the recent launch of her project, “Denise Richards & Her Wild Things.” Reflecting on her Hollywood career, Richards expressed pride in her three daughters, Sami, 20, and Lola, 19, whom she shares with ex-husband Charlie Sheen, and Eloise, whom she adopted in 2011. “I wish I had the confidence that they have, because I would never be able to stand out for myself the way they do,” she explained.
“I was such a people pleaser when I started my career. And I love that my girls, this early in their career, that they’re able to [speak up]. Sometimes I’m like, ‘You might want to tone it down,’ but for the most part I’m glad that they’re able to say [what’s on their mind].
I wish I was able to back then.”
Richards has spoken previously about the struggles of balancing motherhood and her Hollywood career. Married to Aaron Phyphers since 2018, she discussed the complexities of parenting in the public eye. “Being a parent in the public eye and in Hollywood is really hard, especially when your mom and dad are Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen,” she admitted.
The couple was married in 2002 and divorced four years later. The revelations and reflections from Richards highlight the personal and professional challenges she faced and underscore the significant cultural shifts in the entertainment industry.