Denise Richards is bravely speaking up about the sexual harassment she faced during her early career, reflecting on the struggles and pressures faced by women in Hollywood. The actress, now 54, revealed her fear of being blacklisted kept her silent for years, as she navigated the tumultuous waters of fame and fortune.
Richards shared her ordeal during an interview with People, expressing her vulnerability and the overwhelming pressure she felt back then. "I was told I would be blacklisted," she said candidly. "I felt so vulnerable. 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." Such experiences shed light on the darker side of Hollywood, where silence can often feel like the only option.
Despite the setbacks, Richards has managed to create a lasting legacy over the past three decades, starring in memorable roles from Wild Things to Starship Troopers. Reflecting on her career and the climate within the industry today, she remarked, “There definitely needed to be a change — and not just in the entertainment industry.”
She credited the #MeToo movement for giving women the voice and protection they deserve, and she shared her pride over the progress made. “I am glad women are able to have more of a voice and be more protected,” she emphasized, acknowledging the barriers women faced, which were once more formidable.
Richards admits, had she faced similar harassment today, she would handle the situation differently. "If this happened at this age, I would handle it differently," she expressed. "But I was so young and unknown and [just] starting out." Her perspective has evolved, shaped by her experiences and by watching her daughters grow stronger and more self-assured.
She has three daughters — Sami, 20, and Lola, 19, from her marriage to actor Charlie Sheen, and Eloise, whom she adopted. Richards has noticed the confidence of her daughters as they navigate their own paths within the public eye. "I wish I had the confidence they have because I would never be able to stand up for myself the way they do," she said, clearly proud of their boldness.
Richards reflects on her past, sharing, "I was such a people pleaser when I started my career." She admires her daughters’ ability to speak out, expressing her desire for them to be candid and assertive. "I love the fact they are able to [speak up]. Sometimes I'm like, 'You might want to tone it down,' but for the most part, I'm glad they're able to say [what’s on their mind]."
Her candid revelations come alongside the launch of her new reality show, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, premiering on March 4, 2024, on Bravo. The show's premise highlights both her family dynamics and her experiences as they share the limelight together.
Richards voiced the challenges of parenting under the watchful eye of the public, especially with her past and the fame associated with her former husband, Charlie Sheen. "Being a parent in the public eye and Hollywood is really hard, especially when your mom and dad are Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen," she noted, hinting at the complicated interplay between personal and public lives.
The actress’s story stands as both cautionary and inspirational, highlighting the real struggles faced by women and encouraging conversation about harassment and empowerment. Richards used her story not only to reveal her personal struggles but to advocate for those who may still be finding their voice.
Richards’ revelations, noted by many as brave, shine a light on the systemic issues of harassment and the importance of changing the narrative. By speaking out, she joins the ranks of other women who have shared their stories, adding her voice to the conversation and helping pave the way for future generations to face their challenges with strength.
Her past experiences and the lessons she's learned are driving forces as she raises her daughters today. Richards remains committed to empowering her girls to avoid the pitfalls she once faced, ensuring they grow up with resilience and the ability to address issues head-on. Her message to young women is clear: embrace your voice, and never let anyone make you feel less than powerful.