Denise Richards is speaking out in regards to the struggles she faced early in her profession, revealing that she was sexually harassed but pressured into staying silent to avoid being blacklisted from the entertainment industry.
In her recent interview, Denise Richards also opened up about past trauma on the season three premiere of Fox’s “Special Forces: World’s Hardest Test.”
Article continues below commercial
Denise Richards Reveals She Stayed Silent On Industry Harassment Over Blacklisting Fears
In a candid interview with PEOPLE, the 54-year-old “Wild Things” actress reflected on the painful experience, explaining why she never pursued legal motion. “I used to be told I can be blacklisted,” Richards shared. “I felt so vulnerable. This was the profession I desired to do. To be told that you simply’re never going to work in an industry that you simply are captivated with, it is a hard thing.”
Looking back, Richards expressed gratitude for the changes led to by the #MeToo movement.
“I’m glad that girls are capable of have more of a voice and be more protected,” she said. “If that happened at this age, I might handle it in a different way, but I used to be so young and an unknown and [just] starting out.”
Article continues below commercial
Denise Richards Praises Daughters For Confidence She Wishes She Had In Hollywood
Richards, now a mother of three daughters, Sami, 20, Lola, 19, and Eloise, 13, admired their confidence and skill to arise for themselves.
“I have a look at my daughters doing our show and being such strong women,” she said. “If I had that, I believe I might’ve been capable of handle it a little bit in a different way. I wish I had the arrogance that they’ve because I might never find a way to arise for myself the best way they do.”
She admitted that being a “people pleaser” held her back in her early years, something she sees her daughters handling in a different way.
“I like that my girls, this early of their profession, are capable of [speak up]. Sometimes I’m like, ‘It is advisable to tone it down,’ but for probably the most part, I’m glad that they are capable of say what’s on their mind. I wish I used to be capable of back then.”
Article continues below commercial
Denise Richards Opens Up About Overcoming Fear After Past Trauma On ‘Special Forces: World’s Hardest Test’
In the course of the episode, she discussed a sexual assault she endured as a youngster and her desire to beat fear. “I really need to learn the best way to not be overwhelmed by fear,” she said. “I have been through traumatic situations which were very terrifying for me. I would like to learn the best way to cope with those issues and be stronger.”
While attempting a helicopter extraction exercise, Richards struggled, telling the Directing Staff (DS) that her response wasn’t on account of being “petrified” but somewhat “emotional.” She admitted that fear has often paralyzed her in critical moments. “I have been in situations where I freeze, and I am unable to function, I am unable to even speak to guard myself,” she explained.
Article continues below commercial
She recounted a 2022 road rage incident in Los Angeles, where she and her husband, Aaron Phypers, were shot at while driving. “He didn’t want me going alone, thank God, and we were physically shot at in his truck,” Richards said. “I sat on the ground and was just literally. I peed. I used to be so scared … I froze.”
Article continues below commercial
Denise Richards Recalls Harrowing Assault At 15
Richards then shared details of the horrifying assault she endured at age 15.
“The primary time I ever experienced that, I used to be 15, and I noticed a person following me,” she said. “He got here up from behind me, put his hand around my mouth, grabbed my vagina, and began dragging me, and I froze. I could not even scream for help. It is so scary to have that situation, to be that age and so vulnerable.”
She emphasized that her past experiences fuel her determination to make sure her daughters never face the identical horrors. “I actually have three daughters, and I would like them to find a way to never undergo that. And likewise, if something, God forbid, happens, to be strong enough to handle it.”
Denise Richards Opens Up About Past Trauma
In a confessional segment, Richards acknowledged that her past traumas still weigh heavily on her.
“I believe that I have never addressed numerous what I actually have undergone, and it is very terrifying,” she admitted. “I do not know if I might find a way to recover from my past.”
Richards’ candid revelations highlight the long-lasting effects of trauma and the resilience it takes to talk out after years of silence.
