Recent developments surrounding The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Denise Richards and her former husband, Aaron Phypers, have drawn public attention after members of Phypers’ family launched a GoFundMe campaign citing financial hardship and housing instability. At the same time, Richards has shared a deeply personal reflection on what she described as one of the most emotionally challenging years of her life.
Together, the two narratives highlight the complex and often difficult realities that can follow high-profile separations, particularly when family, finances, and children are involved.
GoFundMe Campaign Launched by Aaron Phypers’ Family
In early December 2025, a GoFundMe campaign was created by Aaron Phypers’ mother, Patricia Phypers, with support from other family members, including his brother, Brett Phypers. The fundraiser, titled “Please Help My Son Aaron — A Grandmother Begging for Justice and for the Little Girl Torn From Our Lives,” seeks to raise $110,000.
As of the most recent update, the campaign has received modest public support, with a small number of donations contributing to the total raised so far.
According to the description on the GoFundMe page, the family says the campaign was created as Aaron faced homelessness following his separation from Richards and a reported eviction from a rental property in Calabasas, California. Public records and reports indicate the home, valued at approximately $3 million, was vacated due to unpaid rent.
The fundraiser includes a lengthy personal message from Patricia, written from the perspective of a concerned parent and grandparent.
Claims Made in the Fundraiser Statement
In her message, Patricia Phypers describes the situation as emotionally devastating for the family, particularly in relation to Richards’ adopted daughter, Eloise. Denise Richards adopted Eloise in 2011. Although Aaron Phypers reportedly began the legal process to adopt her as well, the adoption was never finalized.
Patricia wrote that the loss of contact with Eloise has been especially painful for the family, emphasizing the emotional bond they felt with her. She described caring for Eloise during periods when Richards was traveling and said the child had been a central part of their household life.
The GoFundMe statement also alleges significant financial strain on the family, with Patricia noting that she used her pension to cover expenses related to household responsibilities and animal care during that time. She further stated that utilities were at risk of being shut off and that the family felt they had exhausted available options.
It is important to note that these claims represent the perspective of the fundraiser’s creator and have not been independently verified. Richards has not publicly responded to the GoFundMe campaign or its specific allegations.
Context of the Separation
Denise Richards, 54, and Aaron Phypers, 53, were married in 2018 and separated several years later. Their relationship, at times featured on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, included both public displays of affection and moments of visible tension.
Since their split, both parties have largely refrained from providing detailed public commentary about the circumstances surrounding their separation. As with many high-profile breakups, much of what is known comes from court documents, public filings, and third-party reporting rather than direct statements.
Denise Richards Reflects on “One of the Most Painful Years” of Her Life
While Aaron Phypers’ family has sought public assistance, Denise Richards marked the beginning of the new year by sharing a reflective message on Instagram that focused on emotional healing and personal growth.
In a post shared on January 1, 2026, Richards described 2025 as one of the most painful years she has experienced.
“Looking back at all the photos & videos I have of 2025, it feels like I’m looking at two different people & lived two different lives,” she wrote. “I will never forget this year, one of the most painful years I’ve lived.”
Richards framed the year as a period of profound change, using symbolic language to describe personal transformation.
“The year of the snake … a year of shedding,” she continued. “A year of letting go, truths being exposed.”
Without naming specific events or individuals, Richards acknowledged experiencing deep emotional pain, including feelings of betrayal, while also expressing gratitude for the clarity that followed.
Emphasis on Support and Recovery
In her message, Richards credited her ability to endure the year’s challenges to the support she received from family, friends, professional collaborators, and her broader community.
“I couldn’t have gotten through this year if it weren’t for my family, old & new friends, this community, those of you I work with,” she wrote. “I’m so thankful you all got me through it.”
She concluded the post on a hopeful note, suggesting that healing is underway.
“I’m finally starting to feel like me again, only better,” Richards added.
Her message was met with an outpouring of supportive comments from fans and fellow public figures, many praising her honesty and resilience.
Public Reactions and Broader Conversations
The parallel timing of the GoFundMe campaign and Richards’ reflective post has prompted widespread discussion online. Some fans expressed sympathy for Phypers and his family, while others emphasized the importance of reserving judgment in complex personal and legal matters.
Situations involving custody, finances, and family dynamics often involve multiple perspectives, and public narratives rarely capture the full scope of private circumstances. As such, many observers have urged compassion for all parties involved, particularly when children are affected.
Life Beyond Reality Television
For Richards, the past year appears to have marked a turning point not just personally, but emotionally. Known for her long career in film, television, and reality programming, she has increasingly used social media to reflect on growth, healing, and motherhood rather than public disputes.
Meanwhile, the situation surrounding Aaron Phypers highlights the financial and emotional vulnerabilities that can follow relationship breakdowns, even for those once connected to fame or financial stability.
Looking Ahead
As The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills continues its 15th season on Bravo, airing Thursdays at 8/7c, viewers are reminded that while reality television offers a curated glimpse into personal lives, the real stories often unfold quietly off-screen.
Whether through public fundraising appeals or introspective reflections shared online, the experiences of Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers underscore the reality that healing, accountability, and rebuilding are rarely simple—and rarely linear.
For now, both appear to be navigating separate paths forward, shaped by loss, reflection, and the search for stability in the aftermath of a difficult chapter.