Denise Richards, the former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has opened up about setting ground rules for her daughter, Sami Sheen, as they both navigate the adult content platform OnlyFans. Since joining the platform, the mother-daughter duo has established one strict boundary: they will not look at each other’s content. “No, we draw the line there,” Sami Sheen, 20, quipped during her conversation with PEOPLE, echoing her mother's sentiments. Denise added, “Yes, we draw a line there,” which reinforces their mutual decision to maintain some level of personal privacy amid their shared workspace.
The decision for both to join OnlyFans wasn't taken lightly. Sami initially created her account shortly after turning 18, largely motivated by financial imperatives. “I really wanted to get an apartment and I knew working at the candy shop I was at wasn't going to cut it,” Sami explained candidly. “So I went to the next best thing and made an OnlyFans.” Her foray proved to be more than just lucrative; it opened numerous doors for her professionally. She noted on the platform, "It’s been really nice and rewarding being my own boss and making my own hours and being able to do the things I’ve always wanted to do.”
Sami, the daughter of Denise Richards and actor Charlie Sheen, recognized the potential for empowerment through the platform. Although she found success, it wasn't without challenges. Upon seeing the backlash Sami faced, Denise felt compelled to support her daughter actively. “When I saw Sami getting so much backlash, it really upset me as a mom and also as a woman in the entertainment business,” Denise reflected. “To be perceived as a sex symbol after doing photoshoots [for my movies]—and people can have their opinion about it—it bothered me to see her getting backlash for owning her sexuality and doing what she wanted to do. That's why I joined it.”
Denise's decision to become part of OnlyFans was propelled by her desire to stand alongside her daughter during such turbulent times. She acknowledged the stigma often associated with women embracing their sexuality, especially as public figures. Joining the platform allowed Denise not only to share financial support but also to solidify her stance on empowering women to reclaim their narratives.
Despite the overlap of being on the same adult platform, Sami did express some playful disappointment about Denise's timing. "I wish she'd waited a little bit," Sami said about her mother joining the platform not long after her own arrival. Still, she clarified, “It doesn’t bother me at all.” This light-hearted remark hinted at the unique bond they share as they navigate the unpredictable waters of internet fame together.
Indeed, Denise sees the venture as not just economically viable but also as part of her personal evolution. She remarked, “It’s quite lucrative,” highlighting how the platform has been instrumental for both her and Sami.
The dynamic between Denise and Sami exemplifies the changing perceptions of women sharing content online. Rather than letting criticisms get to them, they approach their circumstances with humor and mutual encouragement. They reflect on broader issues of societal norms faced by women, especially when it involves sexuality and how it’s portrayed publicly. Through their experience, they aim to redefine what it means to embrace one's sexuality as they advocate for empowerment over shame.
These experiences come at time when Denise is also launching her upcoming reality show, Denise Richards and Her Wild Things, set to premiere on March 4. The show promises to capture more of her family life and perhaps offer insights on this latest chapter shared with Sami.
By supporting each other's journeys, both Sami and Denise aim to cultivate resilience, focusing on personal growth rather than societal judgment. Their story serves as both inspiration and insight for many who similarly navigate the uncharted territory of modern media and personal identity.