Background: From Malibu “I Do” to Unexpected Separation
Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers began dating in June 2017, moving quickly toward matrimony with a private engagement announcement and a Malibu wedding ceremony on September 8, 2018. Richards brought three daughters into the marriage—two from her previous union with Charlie Sheen (Sami, 20, and Lola, 19) and one adopted, Eloise, 13—while Phypers had a brief prior marriage to actress Nicollette Sheridan. For over six years, the couple shared a blended family life and even co-starred on the Bravo reality series Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, presenting what appeared to be a strong partnership on screen .
The OnlyFans Revelation: A Turning Point
In March 2025, Richards publicly acknowledged that she had joined OnlyFans—a subscription-based content platform—partly to support her daughter Sami amid criticism. She revealed that Phypers played a key role behind the scenes, advising on which photos would resonate most with subscribers and helping curate her content. Richards celebrated her position among the platform’s top 1% of creators, emphasizing empowerment and new opportunities for her career .
The Divorce Filing: Timing and Legal Grounds
On July 7, 2025, Aaron Phypers officially filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court, listing July 4, 2025 as the date of separation. He cited “irreconcilable differences” as the sole reason and requested spousal support from Richards. Despite their public affirmations—Richards had vowed months earlier to “never get divorced again, even if we hate each other”—Phypers’ move came as a shock to fans and industry observers alike .
Income Disparity: Who Earns What?
In the court documents, Phypers stated that he had earned no income over the past year after closing his wellness business, Quantum 360 Club, in 2024. By contrast, he alleged that Richards brings in over $250,000 per month through a combination of OnlyFans revenue, reality TV appearances, and brand partnerships. His filing underscores a significant financial imbalance, which he cites in support of his request for monthly spousal support .
Financial Breakdown: $105,000 in Monthly Expenses
The divorce petition provides a detailed account of the couple’s joint expenditures, claiming they average $105,000 per month. Key figures include:
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$25,000 on food and household supplies (groceries and eating out)
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$20,000 on clothing
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$18,000 on rent
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$15,000 on entertainment, gifts, and vacations
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$8,000 on utilities
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$7,000 on child care for Eloise
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$5,000 on home maintenance and repairs
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$5,000 on laundry and cleaning services
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$1,500 on transportation and car expenses
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$500 phone bill
Phypers noted that they spend nothing on life insurance, savings, or charitable giving, further emphasizing the lifestyle gap amid his lack of earnings .
Children and Privacy: Shielding the Family
Neither Richards nor Phypers have commented publicly since the filing. Richards has consistently emphasized her devotion to her daughters’ well-being, adopting a low-profile approach during past upheavals, including her 2006 divorce from Charlie Sheen. Observers expect both parents to seek privacy and stability for their children as legal proceedings unfold.
Public Reaction: Fans and Industry Buzz
Social media quickly erupted with speculation and support for both individuals. Some fans expressed sympathy for Phypers’ financial predicament, while others praised Richards for her entrepreneurial success. Entertainment industry insiders note that the timing—just after OnlyFans revelations and reality TV exposure—may fuel renewed interest in Richards’ brand and media appearances.
What’s Next: Spousal Support and Asset Division
In his filing, Phypers also requested to retain certain personal assets as separate property, including a motorcycle, sports car, and collection of power tools. The court will need to determine the appropriate level of spousal support given Richards’ substantial monthly income and Phypers’ current unemployment. Property division negotiations and potential mediation sessions are likely in the coming months.
Implications for Celebrity Privacy and OnlyFans Usage
This split shines a spotlight on the complexities of mixing personal relationships with business ventures—especially in the world of subscription-based platforms like OnlyFans. Richards’ willingness to share intimate aspects of her life with paying subscribers and Phypers’ involvement behind the camera created a blurred line between marital partnership and professional collaboration.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins
As the divorce proceedings commence, Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers prepare to navigate the challenges of separation with differing financial footholds and the shared goal of protecting their family’s privacy. Richards may leverage her elevated media profile to further diversify her career, while Phypers—pending a possible new professional venture—seeks equitable support to maintain his standard of living. For fans and onlookers, this high-profile split underscores the delicate balance between love, business, and the public eye.
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