Denise Richards recently opened up about the harassment she faced early in her Hollywood career, shedding light on the environment actresses endured before the #MeToo movement gained momentum. The actress, best known for her role in the 1998 thriller Wild Things, shared her experiences during an interview with People magazine, where she revealed the intense pressure to remain silent after being sexually harassed.
Reflecting on her youth, Richards recounted, "I was told I would be blacklisted," acknowledging the fear and vulnerability she felt at the time. "This was the career I wanted to do. To be told you’re never going to work in an industry you are passionate about—it’s a hard thing to hear," she added, illustrating the difficult choices young women were forced to make.
Richards highlighted how the cultural climate has shifted dramatically, particularly referencing the progress made since the #MeToo movement brought attention to sexual harassment and assault within the entertainment industry. "I am glad women are able to have more of a voice and be more protected," she expressed. "If something like this happened now, I would handle it differently, but back then, I was young, unknown, and just starting out." This statement reflects not only her personal growth but the evolution of societal expectations around speaking out against harassment.
Now 54, Richards has three daughters—Sami, 20, Lola, 19, and Eloise, 13. Her role as a mother has significantly influenced her perspective on strength and advocacy. "I look at my daughters doing our show and being such strong women. If I had had their kind of support, I think I would have been able to handle it differently," she noted. This pride demonstrates the influence of generational change on Richards' outlook, highlighting how her daughters embody qualities she lacked during her earlier years.
Aside from her reflections on harassment, Richards has also been candid about facing personal traumas. During her appearance on Fox's Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, she spoke emotionally about surviving sexual assault as a teenager. "I was 15 when I first experienced something like this. A man followed me, grabbed me from behind, and covered my mouth. I couldn’t even scream for help. I just froze," she recounted, emphasizing the lasting impact such events can have on young individuals.
Continuing her fight against fear, Richards declared her intention to confront the overwhelming emotions stemming from past incidents. "I really want to learn how to not be overwhelmed by fear. I’ve been through traumatic situations, and I want to come out stronger." This resolution spotlights her resilience and desire to transform pain from her past.
The past isn’t without its harrowing moments for Richards; she also spoke about witnessing violence firsthand when her husband, Aaron Phypers, was targeted during a road rage incident. "I was so scared. I froze. I literally sat on the floor and peed myself," she admitted, recounting the terrifying experience. Through these experiences, Richards hopes to offer her daughters not just the lesson of survival, but the knowledge to advocate for themselves.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Richards remains optimistic about the future, especially with the changing dynamics of Hollywood. She stated, "There definitely needed to be change—and not just in the entertainment industry." Her acknowledgment of the need for wider societal reforms indicates her commitment to fostering safer spaces for all.
Richards’ upcoming docuseries, titled Denise Richards and Her Wild Things, set to premiere on March 4, aims to explore her family life alongside these pressing issues. The show will give viewers insight not only about her daughters’ journeys but also showcase Richards’ evolution from the pressures of Hollywood to becoming a supportive and empowering mother.
Her story reinforces the importance of speaking out against injustices and the role of supportive communities, particularly among women. With more open conversations surrounding mental health and resilience, Richards hopes to inspire future generations to confront their fears and advocate for themselves without the constraints of fear or intimidation.