Denise Richards Says She Was Pressured Into Silence Over Alleged Sexual Harassment to Avoid Hollywood Blacklist

Denise Richards is speaking out about a troubling experience from her early Hollywood career, 

revealing that she was pressured to stay silent about an alleged case of sexual harassment out of fear of being blacklisted.

The 54-year-old actress and reality star recently shared with People 

that she once considered filing a lawsuit over the incident but ultimately chose not to after being warned that it could cost her career.

“I was told I would be blacklisted,” Richards admitted. “I felt so vulnerable. This was the career I wanted to do. 

To be told that you’re never going to work in an industry that you are passionate about, it’s a hard thing.”

Looking Back on Hollywood’s Culture Shift

Richards, who has spent more than three decades in the entertainment industry, acknowledged the significant progress that has been made, particularly in light of the #MeToo movement.

“There definitely needed to be a change—and not just in the entertainment industry,” she said. “I am glad that women are able to have more of a voice and be more protected.”

Reflecting on how she might have handled the situation differently if it had happened later in life, she added, “If that happened at this age, I would handle it differently, but I was so young and an unknown and [just] starting out.”

A Career Built on Resilience

Despite the challenges she faced early on, Richards went on to become a successful actress, starring in films such as Wild Things, Starship Troopers, and the James Bond movie The World Is Not Enough. More recently, she has returned to reality television with her new Bravo series, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things.

The series offers a glimpse into Richards’ life, from her career in Hollywood to her role as a mother. She shares two daughters, Sami, 20, and Lola, 19, with ex-husband Charlie Sheen and adopted her youngest daughter, Eloise, in 2011.

A New Perspective on Hollywood Through Her Daughters

Richards says that watching her daughters navigate their own lives has given her a fresh perspective on how she handled her career.

“I wish I had the confidence that they have because I would never be able to stand up for myself the way they do,” she admitted.

“I was such a people pleaser when I started my career,” she continued. “And I love that my girls, this early in their career, that they’re able to [speak up]. Sometimes I’m like, ‘You might want to tone it down,’ but for the most part, I’m glad that they’re able to say what’s on their mind. I wish I was able to back then.”

Balancing Motherhood and Stardom

In addition to her career, Richards has been open about the difficulties of balancing Hollywood and motherhood.

“Being a parent in the public eye and in Hollywood is really hard, especially when your mom and dad are Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen,” she previously said.

Richards, who married actor Aaron Phyphers in 2018, has also spoken about the challenges of raising a family while maintaining her career.

“I’m trying to just balance everything,” she said in a trailer for her new show. “I’ve got my career, my family, and my daughters.”

Despite the challenges, Richards remains grateful for the opportunities she has had and the changes that have taken place in Hollywood. While she may have been forced into silence in the past, she now hopes to use her voice to inspire others to stand up for themselves.

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