After nearly seven years of marriage, Aaron Phypers has filed for divorce from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Denise Richards, and longtime fans of the couple are far from surprised.

According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Phypers filed for divorce in Los Angeles on Monday (July 7), citing “irreconcilable differences” with a separation date listed as July 4. 

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Phypers isn’t just asking to walk away quietly — he’s requesting spousal support. The 49-year-old businessman is requesting spousal support and an even split of their joint company, Smoke & Mirrors Entertainment.

What’s caught the attention of many RHOBH viewers and Bravoholics alike isn’t just the split itself, but the dynamics behind it. Phypers disclosed that he has not earned any income since shutting down his wellness business last year, yet the couple’s reported monthly expenses top $105,000. This has sparked speculation among fans who believe Phypers has been living off Richards' success.

On social media, Bravo fans have been vocal.

“Well he should work some kind of job to show effort and I’m sure she wouldn’t feel like he was living off of her,” one fan wrote, expressing frustration over his lack of income. Another added, “I bet after his business was lost, she was asking what’s next and he didn’t want to answer that question bc there is no plan. She’s better off.” 

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Though they never had children together, Phypers was in the process of adopting Richards' youngest daughter, Eloise, whom she adopted in 2011. She also shares two adult daughters with ex-husband Charlie Sheen.

Some fans believe this divorce came out of left field, since she recently spoke highly about Phypers with Bravo's The Daily Dish. 

"We like being with each other. He’s my best friend too and we just really enjoy each other’s company," she told explained the publication. "I tell every couple, especially with kids, if you could just do one night, at least a month, where you have a staycation where you can shut down and be with just each other, I think that helps so much with marriages or couples who have children."

Meanwhile, her daughter Sami Sheen spilled some tea on the Casual Chaos with Gia Giudice podcast in April about her step dad.

“We’re not even that close… we don’t ever hang out, we never talk," explained Sheen.  “He makes her happy," she added. 

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The couple has had a public journey, with Phypers appearing on RHOBH and starring alongside Richards on her reality series Denise Richards & Her Wild Things. The pair also collaborated on business projects, including managing Denise’s OnlyFans content, which Phypers often photographed and produced.

For Bravoholics who have followed the reality stars life on and off the screen, this split may have been inevitable given the circumstances. As Phypers moves forward, many are rallying behind Richards, hoping this next chapter brings her the peace and stability she deserves.

Photo Credit: @deniserichards on Instagram.