Denise Richards is officially back in the Beverly Hills spotlight, but don’t expect her to be yelling bailing anytime soon. Weeks after being blindsided by Aaron Phypers’ divorce filing, the 54-year-old is stepping back into the chaos of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
RHOBH Producers reportedly brought her back not because she smoothed things over with her old castmates, but because Bravo is desperate to save the show’s sinking ratings, and Richards’ drama is just too good. And while it may be ratings gold, this move comes with a hefty dose of baggage. Denise isn’t just walking back onto set with old grudges. She’s knee-deep in one of Hollywood’s nastiest divorces.
Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers’ split has spiraled into a full-blown war. Both have lobbed accusations of abuse, allegations that they each deny. While a restraining order adds gasoline to an already raging fire.
Things hit a boiling point earlier this month when Denise reportedly showed up unannounced at Aaron’s Calabasas home, violating the order. Instead of a calm meeting of the minds, the visit turned into a screaming driveway spectacle. Bringing police officers to the scene, and reportedly leaving Aaron’s elderly mother shaken.
Witnesses claim Denise shouted at family members. Tossed mail, and even took a swing at Aaron’s brother before cops had to step in. No arrests were made, but the message was clear. This divorce is getting uglier by the day, and every meltdown could cost Denise in court. With spousal support, restraining orders, and ugly accusations flying, Denise may be juggling lawyers more than Bravo producers.
RHOBH Cast Not Thrilled With Denise Richards Reunion
However, if Denise Richards thought her return would come with a warm welcome, think again. Star Magazine insiders say most of the RHOBH women are less than thrilled. Last time around, Denise spiraled and burned bridges.
Most recall how she stormed off dramatically after calling out the reality show SOS call, Bravo, Bravo, Bravo. Now, with her personal life imploding in the tabloids, the cast reportedly isn’t eager to play sidekick to Denise’s headline-making disaster.
“Producers are desperate to save the show, and Denise and Aaron’s drama is too irresistible to pass up,” says the insider. Good news for fans, but bad news for the relevance-obsessed cast.
But Bravo sees dollar signs and a chance to save the sinking ship. Ratings have dipped, storylines are stale, and producers are banking on Denise Richards’ extreme chaos to give viewers the drama they crave. In other words, all is fair in love, war, and Real Housewives television.
Denise Richards may be back, but her life is anything but stable. Between her explosive divorce, restraining orders, and a cast that still holds grudges. Most expect her return to RHOBH to look more like a powder keg than a comeback. Bravo might get the ratings boost they’re craving. But don’t be surprised if this blows up in everyone’s face.
Casey James 
