Denise Richards breaks silence on sexual harassment as a young actress

Denise Richards recently spoke out about being sexually harassed early in her acting career, revealing she was pressured into silence with threats of being blacklisted. In an interview with People published on Saturday, Richards reflected on how the #MeToo movement has brought necessary changes to the entertainment industry.

“I was told I would be blacklisted (if I spoke about it),” she shared. “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.”

Richards, who stars in the upcoming reality series Denise Richards and Her Wild Things, expressed gratitude that women today have more support and protection. She noted that if she had experienced harassment at this stage in her life, she would handle it differently, but as a young, unknown actress, she felt powerless.

Reflecting on her daughters’ strength, Richards acknowledged how their confidence has given her a new perspective. She shares two daughters, Sami, 20, and Lola, 19, with ex-husband Charlie Sheen and adopted her third daughter, Eloise, in 2013. Watching them navigate their careers with self-assurance makes her proud.

“I look at my daughters doing our show and being such strong women. If I had that, I think I would’ve been able to handle it a little differently,” she said. “I wish I had the confidence that they have.”

Richards also credited her late mother, Joni, for instilling resilience in her. “My mom always said, ‘This too shall pass.’ I’ve realized that I’m stronger than I thought I was.”

Her new reality series, Denise Richards and Her Wild Things, premieres on Bravo on March 4.