Denise Richards Calls Ex’s Family GoFundMe "Unacceptable"
Denise Richards asserts that her estranged husband Aaron Phypers’ family has “crossed a line” by initiating a GoFundMe campaign.
“I’ll address any comments made about me, which have already occurred, after the divorce proceedings. However, when you overstep and involve my youngest daughter in an attempt to solicit funds from strangers—it’s completely unacceptable,” Richards, 54, stated during her guest appearance on Tori Spelling’s “Mispelling” podcast on Thursday, January 8. “That is inappropriate.”
Aaron’s mother, Patricia Phypers, launched a GoFundMe page earlier this month to assist in raising money for her son’s “legal representation” as his divorce from Richards continues. Aaron’s mom specifically mentioned Richards’ youngest daughter, Eloise, 14, in the website’s description. Patricia claimed she “provided care for Eloise for several weeks” while Richards was away. (Richards is also a mother of daughters Sam, 21 and Lola, 20, whom she shares with former husband Charlie Sheen.)
“Please help my son fight for the truth and for Eloise,” she wrote. As of Thursday, the GoFundMe has collected $60 of its targeted $30,000 goal.
Inside Denise Richards’ New Reality After Aaron Phypers Split
“It’s challenging enough navigating a divorce and the associated loss, but then to discover the true nature of this person, that’s profoundly hurtful,” Richards continued during Thursday’s podcast episode. “And to escalate to this level, to draw my daughter into it—it’s deeply personal. It’s shocking, but not entirely unexpected.”
Us Weekly confirmed in July 2025 that Phypers filed for divorce from Richards after six years of marriage. She subsequently filed a restraining order against Phypers days later, alleging that he had been abusive during their relationship, a claim he denies.
Phypers was arrested in October 2025 and charged with two felony counts related to causing injury to a spouse and two felony counts related to obstructing a witness by force or threat. He was later released on bail.
“We have not reviewed the criminal complaint, but we believe it is likely based on some of the same false accusations that Denise Richards has made against Mr. Phypers in the family law domestic violence case, which she alleges occurred nearly four years ago,” Phypers’ lawyer stated in a statement at the time. “If that is the case, we anticipate that the evidence will demonstrate Mr. Phypers’ innocence and that he will be acquitted.”
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A court granted Richards a permanent restraining order against Phypers in November 2025.
Later that same month, Richards discussed the split during a panel at BravoCon in Las Vegas, explaining that her divorce has been “a process” and that she’s been fortunate to have a “strong support system.” However, Richards told fans that it’s been “very difficult” watching her complicated divorce unfold publicly.
“It’s different because on the reality shows, our personal life is exposed,” she explained. “On reality [TV], you can’t pretend it’s not happening.”
Richards told listeners during Thursday’s podcast episode that she does intend to share more about her situation with Phypers—but not just yet.
“I really want to finalize my divorce, and then I will share,” she said.
