Denise Richards Reveals Sexual Harassment Ordeal, Faced Blacklisting for Speaking Out

Denise Richards recently shared a troubling experience from her early days in acting, where she faced sexual harassment and was advised to remain silent about it.

The actress, known for her role in Wild Things, told People magazine that she once thought about pursuing a sexual harassment lawsuit but was warned against it. “I was told I would be blacklisted,” she said, reflecting on the daunting prospect of being ostracized from the career she loved.

Richards did not delve into specifics, but she expressed her astonishment at the strides made in Hollywood following the #MeToo movement. “There definitely needed to be a change — and not only in the entertainment industry,” she remarked.

Looking back, Richards feels that today she would handle such a situation differently, acknowledging her youth and inexperience at the time. “I am glad that women now have more of a voice and more protection,” she stated.

The star of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test also discussed how proud she is of her three daughters, Sami, Lola, and Eloise, and the confidence they have, which she feels she lacked at their age. Richards credits her daughters for teaching her the importance of speaking out.

Richards, along with her family, will soon be back on television. She is set to return to Bravo with a new docuseries titled Denise Richards and Her Wild Things, which will premiere on Tuesday, March 4 at 9 p.m. ET. The series will highlight her life with her daughters and husband Aaron Phypers.