Denise Richards Returns to “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” Amid Divorce Battle

Denise Richards has made a surprise return to the reality TV series “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” during her ongoing contentious divorce from Aaron Phypers. Witnesses reported her filming scenes alongside cast members Erika Jayne and Sutton Stracke at a Los Angeles restaurant, Madre, on Saturday night. Photos show Richards entering the venue in a pink outfit with a camera crew in tow.

It remains uncertain whether Richards is appearing as a full-time housewife or as a friend of the cast. She had previously starred on the show for two seasons before leaving after Season 10 in 2020. She explained her departure, citing a falling out with fellow cast member Lisa Rinna, which made her feel isolated on the show.

Denise Richards filming for "RHOBH" — Richards is returning to “RHOBH” amid her tumultuous divorce from Aaron Phypers.

Richards previously starred on her own Bravo series, but it was canceled after one season following her divorce announcement. Her return to “RHOBH” aligns with her current personal struggles, including her separation from Phypers, which has become more acrimonious recently. Last week, Richards filed legal documents accusing her estranged husband of stealing private photos, devices, and breaching a protective order.

Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers at a premiere — The ongoing divorce drama escalated after Richards was granted a restraining order against Phypers, whom she accused of physical abuse.

In her court filings, Richards demanded the return of all her electronic devices and requested that Phypers be prohibited from using or sharing any of her personal content. Phypers, who filed for divorce in July after a heated fight on the Fourth of July, denied the abuse allegations and accused Richards of having an affair with her “Special Forces” co-star Rudy Reyes. He also claimed she struggles with addiction to Vicodin and alcohol, asserting he has proof of her infidelity.