Denise Richards Swears Off Marriage After Two Painful Divorces

Actress and former reality television star Denise Richards stated on October 16, 2026, during an appearance on The Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg Show, that she will never marry again following two high-profile and painful divorces, 247newsaroundtheworld.com reported. The 55-year-old performer told host Jenny McCarthy that she is open to future romance and partnership, but explicitly rejected the legal institution of marriage, describing herself as 0 for 2.

Denise Richards Declares Marriage is off the Table

Richards used her podcast appearance to deliver her most definitive public statement yet regarding her future relationship plans. “Will I ever get married again? Abso-f—ing-lutely not,” Richards told host Jenny McCarthy on The Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg Show in an episode this week. “I don’t want that piece of paper.” The actress clarified that her decision stems from exhaustion with the legal and emotional framework of marriage rather than bitterness toward love itself. She emphasized that she still wants to fall in love and share her life with a partner.

The Disillusionment Surrounding Her Second Marriage

The candid declaration arrives as Richards navigates an ongoing and contentious divorce from her second husband, Aaron Phypers. Phypers filed for divorce in July 2025, citing irreconcilable differences, which led to a rapid public unraveling that included mutual legal filings and domestic abuse allegations. Richards discussed that marriage on the podcast, telling McCarthy that to him she was a product and it was a business arrangement, this was not a marriage. When asked about forgiveness, Richards was blunt in her response, stating that she will never say she forgives him. During the subsequent legal proceedings in late 2025, Richards obtained a five-year restraining order against Phypers, and Phypers was arrested and charged with felony counts of injuring a spouse and dissuading a witness by force or threat, though he has denied all allegations of abuse.

Reflecting on Her First Marriage to Charlie Sheen

Before her marriage to Phypers, Richards endured another intensely scrutinized Hollywood marriage to actor Charlie Sheen. The two began dating in 2000 after meeting on the set of the film Good Advice, became engaged in December 2001, and married in June 2002. They welcomed two daughters, Sami in 2004 and Lola in 2005. That relationship turned turbulent, prompting Richards to file for divorce in March 2005 while six months pregnant with Lola, citing Sheen’s alleged substance abuse and threats of violence before the divorce was finalized in 2006. Despite describing that period as very toxic, Richards has repeatedly stated she has no regrets because the marriage brought her daughters, and the two eventually established a functional co-parenting dynamic.

Remaining Open to Romance Without a Third Wedding

Richards reflected on the emotional toll of her recent experiences in a year-end social media post, describing 2025 as one of the most painful years she has lived. Yet her recent media appearances highlight a clear distinction between wanting meaningful human connection and trusting a formal contract. She wants to fall in love again so she does not become bitter, drawing a firm line between pursuing companionship and ever walking down the aisle for a third time.