Denise Richards, the acclaimed actress known for her role in the 1998 neo-noir thriller "Wild Things," recently revealed that she was warned against speaking out about sexual harassment early in her career. She feared being "blacklisted" from the industry she was passionate about. The industry has changed significantly over the years, particularly with the rise of the #MeToo movement, which Richards acknowledges has helped give women a stronger voice. At age 54, she reflects on her experiences as a young actress and the personal traumas she has endured.
Richards shared that her first encounter with sexual assault occurred at 15 when a man followed her, then attacked and dragged her. She recalled the terrifying moment, stating, "He came up from behind me, put his hand around my mouth, grabbed my vagina, and started dragging me." The fear of being ostracized from the industry kept her silent for years. "I was told I would be blacklisted. I felt so vulnerable," she admitted. Despite the challenges, Richards continued to pursue her dream.
The actress also reflected on a harrowing road rage incident in November 2022, when shots were fired at a truck driven by her husband, Aaron Phypers, now 52. Richards described the traumatic event: "He didn't want me going alone, thank God, and we were physically shot at in his truck." The experience left her frozen with fear. These incidents have profoundly impacted Richards' life and perspectives, especially as a mother to three daughters: Sami, 20, Lola, 19, and Eloise, 13.
Richards' journey through Hollywood has been marked by both achievements and adversities. Her breakthrough role in "Wild Things," where she shared an iconic scene with co-star Neve Campbell, catapulted her to fame. However, her early career was shadowed by fears of speaking out about abuse. Reflecting on those times, she stated, "If that happened at this age, I would handle it differently, but I was so young and an unknown and (just) starting out."
Appearing on season three of Fox's "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test," Richards opened up about her past traumas. She expressed gratitude for the industry's evolving landscape, saying, "I am glad that women are able to have more of a voice and be more protected." Becoming a mother has further shifted Richards' perspective, allowing her to approach these issues with renewed strength and resilience.
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