Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers’ divorce may not have been the biggest surprise for those closest to the couple.
“They love each other, but they haven’t been happy,” a source exclusively tellsUs Weekly. “He filed for divorce, but she can’t continue like this either.”
Although the pair put on a happy front as they filmed their Bravo show Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, which aired this spring, finances were causing stress on the marriage behind the scenes.
“She’s loved him for all he’s done and supported his dreams, but it’s also been a big financial burden on her that she can’t continue to carry,” the insider says. “It took a toll on both of them.”
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While Richards, 54, found success with her OnlyFans account and various TV gigs, Phypers, 52, has struggled to find a profitable career in recent months.
According to the source, instead he’s taken on many of the responsibilities at home: “Aaron gave up a lot to help Denise day-to-day. He has taken care of the kids, the pets, his parents, Denise and all her work for OnlyFans, and has fixed up the houses they’ve lived in.”
Although the hard work didn’t go unnoticed by Richards, the lack of financial support had an impact on their love story.
“They wouldn’t be making ends meet without OnlyFans,” the source shares. “It’s saved them financially, and Denise has supported him financially, backed all his endeavors and it’s been a drain on their finances.”
Phypers filed for divorce on Monday, July 7, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason behind the split.
In court documents obtained by Us, Phypers said he was self-employed at a wellness center from November 2018 to October 2024.
“I had to close down my business last year and have made [no] income since,” he told the court as part of the divorce petition before listing his average monthly income as zero.
In comparison, Phypers estimated in court docs that Richards earns over $250,000 a month in income from OnlyFans, her TV shows, brand deals and appearances.
“He’s done a lot for her, but at the end of the day, he hasn’t brought in any money to the marriage,” the source claims. “They have both worked their asses off, only hers has been profitable and his hasn’t.”
According to his divorce petition, Phypers spends nearly $105,000 on monthly bills, including $18,000 on rent, $5,000 on repairs, $7,000 on child care, $10,000 on groceries and $15,000 on eating out.
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While Richards has income coming in, the amount of money being spent caused some concern.
“He has a wonderful heart. He is kind and loving,” the source tells Us. “But he has been stuck and his only job has been helping her. She’s been funding a lot of their life together and they are spending a lot of money. It’s all taken its toll.”
“But it hasn’t been enough,” the insider adds.
Us has reached out to Richards’ rep and Phypers for comment.
