Denise Richards puts an end to rumors about her life in new Redbook interview

Actress Denise Richards has heard every rumor in the book when it comes to her life, so the mother of 4-year-old Sam and 2 ½-year-old Lola Rose decided that it was time to set the record straight during her new interview with Redbook.

In the interview, Denise shares what her life is really like and talks about her relationship with ex-husband, actor Charlie Sheen.

Charlie is truly a stranger to me, and that’s the really sad part.  Iknow many people who have gotten divorced and remained good friends,and I envy that because it’s obviously much healthier for the kids thanour situation.

Continue reading for Denise’s opinion on those who believe she is exploiting her children, her marriage to Charlie and how she is moving on with her life after the end of her marriage and the death of her mother, Joni Richards.

What made you decide to do the reality show?

I had done an interview with Ryan Seacrest for his radio show.  Afterward, he said, "I want to do a TV show with you because other people don’t know the person I know." I’d been approached about a show before, but this time my parents encouraged me to do it.  My mother adored Ryan, and before she passed away in November, she said, "People need to see who you really are." And that was the reason I finally decided to do it. 

As a mom, I can’t imagine how hard it would be to hear hurtful, untrue things being said about my daughters.  I give my parents a lot of credit for remaining supportive and being such wonderful parents.

Do you worry about how to show will affect your daughters?

I’m in a no-win situation.  If I have my kids in the show, I’m exploiting them.  If I don’t, people will think I’m not a hands-on mom.  That’s why it’s very important to me that the girls are part of it — but only where it makes sense.  It would never be anything inappropriate or too personal for television.

Do you think that Charlie and the people who say you’re exploiting your children are just trying to protect them?

It upsets me that people have been so judgmental.  Everyone says I’m exploiting the kids, but they haven’t even seen one episode.  See the show at least, and then make a decision.  Also, if Charlie and I had decided together to keep our kids away from the media, I would understand where he’s coming from now.  But we made the decision as a couple not to shield our children.  I’m always pleasant to photographers around the girls because I don’t want them to be fearful.  They didn’t ask to be born into this life.

Is it hard for you not to bad-mouth him in front of the girls?

I would never do that.  I’ve always tried to handle this respectfully.  If you go back and try to dig up quotes about what I’ve said, there’s not a lot out there.  I actually fired a nanny once, for bashing Charlie in front of the girls.  Charlie is their dad, so if I insult their father it’s an insult to them.  I don’t want them to ever feel torn between the two of us.

When did you first think, ‘This marriage isn’t going to make it?’

You find out a lot about a person when you have children together.  It’s one thing to be on the same page in the goals you have for your marriage.  But you also need to be on the same page in terms of raising your children, and I had no idea we had such different views on that. 

When I vaccinated Sam, he accused me of poisoning her.  And I knew when he said that the marriage wasn’t going to work.  We also battled over the girls being baptized.  Charlie and I had a Catholic wedding ceremony, which he knew was so important to me, but then he didn’t want to baptize our daughters.  Sam is baptized; Lola still is not.

It’s hard for me to say all this.  I’ve never openly talked about why my marriage failed and all the subsequent stuff that happened.  But I’m sure there are a lot of women out there like me who feel vulnerable and alone.  You have this idea about what a marriage and a family are supposed to be, and you don’t want to give up on it.  That’s one of the reasons I stayed with Charlie longer than I wanted to.  When you suddenly see a side of someone you haven’t seen before, you think, ‘This isn’t the man I married, but he must be there somewhere.’ I wanted the person I met back.  The day I filed for divorce was the hardest day of my life.

Were there periods when you believed Charlie’s and your relationship could work?

Yes. Like with any disintegrating relationship you always have thosemoments when you forget about the bad. Then, of course, I discovered Iwas pregnant with Lola.

Was that scary or hopeful?

I was happy because I loved being a mother, but I was also terrified.Deep down, I knew we weren’t going to make it. Charlie was happy,though, and that made me feel a little better. But I still ended upfiling for divorce when I was six months pregnant. That was the hardestday of my life.

You and Charlie got together again briefly after Lola was born.  Why was that?

I needed to know that I could honestly say to my kids,"I did everything I could, and your dad did everything he could."

Do you ever ask, ‘What was my role in this?’

[Laughs] On, my God, yes.  I know I made a lot of mistakes, and I’m willing to take responsibility for them.  I believe that’s how you grow.  But I do not regret marrying Charlie for one second.  He gave me the most amazing gift anyone has ever given me: my daughters.  I’m said it’s the way it is now, and I’m sad he and I can’t have a healthy relationship for our girls.  I still hope we can get to that place.

So what’s it like living with your dad [Irv Richards] again?

It’s been great.  My mom was my dad’s life for 37 years.  He took care of her, and I promised my mom that I would get him through [her death], but he’s helping me too.  He’s trying to decide what he wants to do next, but for now, it’s good that he’s here for all of us, especially the kids.

What’s Charlie’s involvement with the kids now?

He has visitation rights, but I’m raising them.  This is their home.  Charlie and I are so conflicted, I know it has to confuse the girls.  I threw a birthday party for Sam a few weeks ago and sent their dad an invitation, and he didn’t show up.  Then at the last minute, he decided to throw her a birthday party the day before at his home.  I emailed him asking if he wanted me to help get a list of her friends together, but he didn’t invite one of them, just kids of people he knows.

Are you finally coming out of these hard last three years?

I do feel like I’m coming out of them.  I’m getting into a better place where I feel more confident and able to go on with my life and not be embarrassed.  It took everything inside me to keep going to my daughter’s school when all this stuff was happening.  It was so humiliating to go every day when I was on the cover of all these gossip magazines, being accused of completely horrible things.  It’s still hard.

Do you think that there is a false perception out there that you’re a seductress?

Well, of course, those are only parts I’ve played in movies. It’sfunny; it’s taken me a long time to look at myself as a business fromwhich I make my money. I know that when I did Playboy magazine fivemonths after I had Sam, I was selling a sexy image. At home, I don’tthink of myself as sexy. I scoop up dog poop and clean up my kids’vomit when they’re sick.

I wake up looking disheveled and throw on apair of sweats while I make their breakfast. I hope to have a husbandwho thinks that’s sexy, but that’s not the perception people have ofme. They see me on a magazine cover stealing someone’s husband orwearing very little clothes in a movie — but that’s just an image. AndI’m made my money selling that image for better or worse.

So what does your next real love have to be like?

I want to meet someone who will love me just for me.  I’m 37 years old, divorced with two children, and my ex-husband is Charlie Sheen.  I have a
house full of animals, and my father just moved in with me.  I obviously have a lot of crap to get through right now, and I want a partner who understands all of this and still wants to be with me through the journey.

Source: Redbook Magazine, June 2008 issue; Cover courtesy Redbook

Comments

some part of the interview left me a little bit uncomfortable , it felt like she was telling too much about Charlie and their problems but she seems to be a very good and hands on mother .

- jane on May 14th, 2008

I have to say that I’m really against Denise putting her children in a reality show. I see where Charlie is coming from. If she wants to do one fine, but the children should stay out of it but I realize that Charlie has a very successful sitcom and her movie career has stalled so she has to make some kind of money.

I think there is a big difference between running into paps on the street and inviting a camera crew into your home. It is just so invasive. Home is supposed to your refuge and now these two little girls will have to deal with a bunch of strangers with camera equipement traisping all over the house.
Also, I totally see why Denise and Charlie do not have a good relationship. First, the statement about “Charlie has visitation but I’m raising them”. She has totally minimized his influence over their lives no wonder he wants more custody. Secondly, including the girls in the reality show when their father is against it isn’t conducive to a healthy relationship. Lastly, about Charlie planning his own birthday party for the girls- maybe it was for the best. There is so much animosity between the two of them, separate parties may have been the best way to go.

I do not foresee Denise and Charlie having the same kind of relationship as Demi/Ashton/Bruce.

- Di on May 14th, 2008

I’ve never really like Denise Richards but after reading this very indepth piece on her I have a newfound respect for her. I didn’t realize she was so vulnerable. I guess I need to realize that celebrity or not divorce is never easy it doesn’t matter who you are or how much money you make.

- Crystal on May 14th, 2008

i see nothing wrong with charlie having his own party for the girls, on his own terms. we do the same for my stepdaughter and it keeps things cordial between all adults. the most important thing for the kids is that there is peace among everyone.

….and i totally would have fired that nanny too! ughhhh, how dare them!?! so inappropriate!

- gigi on May 14th, 2008

I have always loved Denise. I hope she comes out of these last couple years stronger and wiser and finds the love she is looking for. if not…I am sure she is so greatful for those little girls it won’t matter!

- tink1217 on May 14th, 2008

I think it’s great that he had a party for his daughter. It’s obvious that they don’t get along. I don’t think she should have brought the whole party thing up. She probably didn’t mean for it to sound ugly, but it did. I truly feel sorry for the little girls.

- Melanie on May 14th, 2008

I don’t know much about Catholicism, so I don’t understand why Lola isn’t baptized if it’s something that matters to Denise. Is it something where Charlie has to agree as well?

- Laura E. on May 14th, 2008

I think that it would be awkward for Denise’s friends to drop their kids off at Charlie’s house. VERY awkward. I see this divorce as very similar to my aunt & uncles. I’m sure Charlie loves his daughters very much, and its unfortunate that he doesn’t see them more.

- Natasha on May 14th, 2008

Well too bad charlie doesnt see his kids enough and i still think its wrong for her to put her kids on tv and such a young age, i mean you dont want kids being in front of flashing paparazzi and by putting them on tv, only makes the paparazzi want more.

- lilly on May 14th, 2008

As much as she wants this article to represent her in a good light, all it did was make me want to take Charlie’s side even more. She claims that she doesn’t say anything bad about him in front of the girls, but in a national magazine it sounds like she clearly blames him for being unreasonable and ruining their marriage.

And the fact that she keeps talking about how she wishes they could get along better for the girls, but doesn’t seem like she’s trying very hard. My parents had an extremely messy divorce, but I didn’t find that out for years because they managed to keep my sister and I out of it.

The whole article left a bad taste in my mouth.

- Lisa on May 14th, 2008

I think Denise does get a bad rap somewhat, and I think it’s refreshing how honest she is about the fact that she did build a career on being “the sexy seductress”, so kudos to that. But I also think that Charlie Sheen was genuinely thinking about the best interest of his girls when he tried to block them being on the reality show and his attempts for more custody. It’s pretty clear that their breakup was acrimonious but I also wonder if this is part of the reason Denise doesn’t allow him more time with the kids.

- Erica on May 14th, 2008

As a mother of two children myself, I feel for Denise, I really do. And to Laura E., no Charlie does not have to agree to a baptism in order for his daughter to be baptized in the Catholic church. It only takes one guardian of the child who believes in the Catholic faith to have a child baptized. I speak as a Roman Catholic myself with two children baptized in the faith and as one who has a husband who doesn’t claim any one religion.

- Jessica L. on May 14th, 2008

I don’t like where she says AFTER Sam got vaccinated and he said she was “poisoning her” that she knew the “marriage wasn’t going to work?”

So why go ahead and have another baby with the man?

I know the old “well it just happened” but come on. If you know it’s truly not going to work why bring another innocent child into the world?

And I’m not a fan of hers. I’m not saying I like Charlie much better but after many things I’ve seen I can’t really choose a side. I just feel that she is exploiting her daugthers. It’s one thing to get a photo by a paparazzi but to choose yourself to put them on t.v. is another story!

- J.M. on May 14th, 2008

I don’t think she was saying that Charlie wanting to have a birthday party was a bad thing. I think she was saying that she offered to get some things together for the party as a help for him and he didn’t want her help.

The party was for THEIR daughter. Just as she invited him to her party, he should have allowed/wanted her to be involved in his.

I don’t really have any feelings about the whole *reality show* thing but if one is going to excoriate Denise Richards for this I hope people feel and express the same things toward Kimora Simmons, Rev. Run, etc. who also include their children on their reality shows.

- jenni on May 14th, 2008

Divorce is hard whether it’s civil or not. I understand how Denise feels frustrated by the rumors and allegations against her by the media or Charlie. For the sake of their children, they both really should keep things private. It doesn’t matter what people say. It’s nobody’s business. They should rather focus on protecting their children.

- Victoria on May 14th, 2008

I like Denise Richards and I’m looking forward to her show. I hope that she finds happiness and that her show is a success.

- terri on May 14th, 2008

I also wanted to add that I think that Charlie has certainly made some questionable decisions regarding doing what is best for his daughters.

When Denise’s mother died, he did not go to the funeral. This was his daughters’ grandmother. Denise was very close to her mother so it is fairly safe to say that Sam and Lola Rose were close to her as well. Why would he not be there for his daughters?

I can understand and appreciate that some feel Denise doesn’t always seem to have her children’s best interest at heart but clearly neither does Charlie.

- jenni on May 14th, 2008

having worked as a producer in reality tv, i can honestly say that it is no place for children. i was always uncomfortable when parents decided to put their kids in front of cameras.
in my opinion it is never done in the best interest of the children, but more for the parents who are seeking fame and public adoration.

and does anyone else think it’s strange that she went and vaccinated her kids, THEN told charlie about it? sounds like something that should have been discussed before hand. guess there were some major communication issues in that relationship ):

- fuzibuni on May 14th, 2008

I think she is revealing too much private information about her problems with Charlie. It is none of our busines and why should she tell us?

I would also not want my children in a reality tv show. I don’t anything good has ever come from these shows.

- Sarita on May 14th, 2008

Thanks for the explanation, Jessica L.!

- Laura E. on May 14th, 2008

My daughter is in the same preschool class as Sam. I feel like I need to say a word about Denise and her kids. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for her to come to preschool where we all know about her “dirty laundry.” She is intimidating and beautiful and the dads love to pick their kids up. But now we’re over it and we understand that in the end she’s just a mom who loves her kids the same way we all do. She ohhs and ahhs at the art work and waits at the door with open arms. Sam and Lola are respectful and nice children and are always excited to see her. I do not think she has it easy and I do not envy what she is going through. I do, however, feel that she is doing a darn good job of making the best out of what is not an ideal situation.

- bp9 on May 15th, 2008

It’s interesting that Debise said people would accuse her of exploiting her children and some of the comments say exactly that. She really is in a no- win situation. People talk about what’s really going on with her Charlie and ask why isn’t she saying something about it but when she does people criticize her for not keeping things private. I’m actually starting to feel really bad for Denise just for the fact that she has to put up with so much criticism from people and it seems like she can’t win

- Renee on May 15th, 2008

i don’t love or hate denise, but after reading this, i will look at her life differently.the last sentence wet my eyes just a little….

- ang on May 15th, 2008

I totally understand where she is coming from- my ex-boyfriend was the same. He was a typical frenchman, so arrogant and always wanting me to be a perfect lady- but I couldn’t meet his expectations- but when Pierre, our son, was born, he was a good dad, and things were great for a while- it was only when Pierre hit the ‘terrible twos’ that Francois couldn’t deal with it and left us. But I truly believe it’s better this way for my son as he was having to constantly listen to us both argue and slamming doors- now my son is healthy and happy- he hasn’t seen his dad since he was 2 1/2 but he is content where he is with me, in Paris. I would love to have another relationship, but obviously my son comes first and the man would have to take him on which is a big thing to do.

- babyboopie on May 15th, 2008

She said at one point she wasn’t going to bash Charlie, but then she went on and on and on about all the things HE did wrong. Don’t get me wrong, I like Denise but I’m betting the divorce wasn’t only his fault.
As for her show, what is it about anyway? I mean, is it a Gene Simmons sort of show? I’m clueless. I don’t think she should be putting her children out there like that but I don’t think she should have to hide them from the cameras either. I’m on the fence I guess you could say. Regardless, I hope someday they’ll have a decent relationship for those girls sake.

- Chris on May 15th, 2008

People say Denise should keep things private & not talk bad about Charlie in public, yet he started it. Why shouldn’t she get to defend herself against his attacks? He’s the one who made this thing even more public.

I’m with Jenni, there are COUNTLESS celeb’s who have reality shows that involve their kids yet they aren’t being attacked like Denise is, why such the blatant double standard? Didn’t CHarlie have Denise & Sam on his show when she was a baby? He sure didn’t care about exploitation then, he’s full of it! I doubt she’s doing this to pay the bills either. She gets child support & I’m sure had a nice divorce settlement.

J.M.- That goes both ways. Why did Charlie get her pregnant a second time after things started going south. Denise didn’t do it alone.

- Alisa on May 15th, 2008

Sam and Lola are too young for that kind of reality show.
remember Madonna’s movie where we could see her life as a mother? Well her kids were older and they could at that time understand why her mother wanted to show the world what their life really was like. Denise doesn’t want the world to see her real life, she wants to make money by showing her life as a single mother, so she really wants to make money over her daughters, because let’s face it, without the girls being Charlie Sheen’s daughters, there would be no show. I am totaly against this show, even tough i respect Denise Richards and her kids

- sushi on May 15th, 2008

I don’t think there would have been anything wrong with her having her children on her show. Had her and Charlie still been together he might’ve went for it.

- halifaxhoney on May 15th, 2008

I like her too. We couldn’t be more different, but my gut reaction is that she’s not treated well by the press. CS seems unreasonable by many accounts. I think what she’s said about him here is simply the tip of the iceberg. It doesn’t read as attacking him–simply being honest. I suspect these things she is divulging here are the most minor offenses. I don’t see how she needs to hold back every minor annoyance towards the guy. He certainly bashes her, and I’m sure he was difficult to live with.

I doubt I’ll watch her show, but I wish her well.

- karrie on May 15th, 2008

Jenni:: I could be wrong, but I didn’t think Russell Simons had an issue with his daughters being on a reality show with their mom, and isn’t Rev. Run’s whole family (wife included) on his? I don’t know if a reality show is exploiting the kids or not, but it seems like a big enough deal that both parents ought to be on board about their children participating.

- MB on May 15th, 2008

I dont see a problem with Denise putting the gils on the show. Plenty of people have done it. Rev Run, Kimora Lee Simmons, Jon and Kate Gosselin (I know they werent “famous” before but they are still making money off their kids but allowing the filming of that show, Dina Lohan. I dont see a problem with it as long as she has the last call on what is aired. As for her bashing Charlie I agree that she went a little astray on the interview but Im sure that its hard for her to keep it inside when someone asks. Hopefully they can work on a better relationship for Sam and Lola’s sakes.

- Crystal on May 15th, 2008

Wow, I feel bad for Denise, here she is being open about what happened and of course everyone has to be judgemental about her. I am not saying she is a perfect mom but what about Charlie?? Did we all forget thathe was very heavy into porn and who knows what else…..Thats just not right. I truly believe Denise gave it a shot, when you are pregnant, you are at a woman’s most vulnerable state and for her to file for divorce during that time must have been really hard for her. I agree she is now trying to make it as a single mom. It’s hard guys, you are now with the responsiblity of raising 2 young girls by yourself. I am sorry but as a divorced mom, it is not the same seeing them for the weekend, then being there every single day. Charlie messed up and he knows it. Give Denise a break she is obviously trying very hard…….

- Evy-Miami on May 15th, 2008

I never did like Denise nor have I liked Charlie (as in what they present to the world because I don’t know them personally to say I dislike them entirely). Denise definitely has a problem with control, its like if you aren’t with me then you can’t be around your kids. During the divorce she made things ugly by the accusations of Charlie abusing the kids and such. But if she truely loves the kids she wouldn’t even speak negatively about Charlie not even in the news articles. She can refuse to comment because her kids will read about this when they get older and it will either hurt her in the long run or Charlie. Charlie has gotten to the point where he doesn’t speak against Denise unless she tries to throw him under the bus first. ITs like she’s jealous of him going on with his life while she has noone. I don’t see anything wrong with two different bday parties and such. As for her reality tv, Denise is no different than Kimora Lee and other celebs out there and those who sells their babies pictures to magazines. Denise loves her kids that is a given.

- rhonda on May 15th, 2008

The difference between Denise vs other celebs who show their children on their reality shows? Is very simple both parents were on the same page, (even with Kimora and Russell being seperated) you didn’t have one parent taking the other to court to stop their children from being shown on television.

- Melanie F. on May 15th, 2008

For everyone that says Denise is exploiting her kids by having them in the reality show….you are being hypocritcal…you come to this website and gawk at pictures of celebrity babies!

Do Jon and Kate (plus 8), exploit their kids? No, they are just giving the world insight on having a big family!

Did Travis Barker and Shanna M. exploit their kids, No! They just wanted the world to see their family!

What about the other countless celebs who share their fims of births or the regular women who are featured on “Birthday” or “Maternity Ward”…

People just want to share the joys (and heartaches) of their life…and if you think its exploitation…then you need to stop coming to this site as well.

- Kristen on May 15th, 2008

I really respect Denise in this interview. She seems just very honest.

Whether you agree or disagree with the reality show, it doesn’t really matter. They’ve made the choice and I have no doubt that if it caused a problem with the children Denise would shut it down. I think she just wants to show what her life is really like. She’s a mom, like other mom’s. The stuff you read in the magazines isn’t true. Her side of the story is out there.

It must be hard if as parents they disagree on so many things. We don’t know what they agreed with when they first had the children. I mean who’s to say Charlie wouldn’t have agreed with her previously but now they are fighting for custody he’s pretending he wouldn’t?

I mean, nobody really knows, and I think as long as the girls are as happy and healthy as they can be, and Denise and Charlie (seperately or together) try their best to make that happen, you can’t ask for much more.

- Heather on May 15th, 2008

“If I don’t, people will think I’m not a hands-on mom. That’s why it’s very important to me that the girls are part of it”

It’s important for people to see that she’s a hands-on mom? That sounds selfish to me. I like her less after reading this. She’s saying one second, I don’t say bad things about Charlie…then turns around and says “he thought I was poisoning her…” etc.

- kbro on May 15th, 2008

I can definitely see why people would think she’s revealing too much, but to me, she just comes off as trying to be honest. That may not always be a positive when you’re a celebrity, but I always view it as an admirable thing.

As far as putting her kids on camera, I’m kind of conflicted about that, but I don’t think I can make a fair guess about it until it actually happens. Overall, I think she really loves her kids and wants to do what’s best for them.

- Kerri on May 15th, 2008

P.S. I don’t think she is exploiting the children by doing this show, it’s a reality show about her life & reality is she is a mother. Plus Sam made her debut on television when she was some mths old on Charlie’s show “Two and a half Men”.

I agree that they need to keep their personal lives (marriage/divorce) out of the media period. She just stated two days ago on the radio station KIIS-FM that he has stopped child support payments. IMHO that should not have been disclosed on the air.

I do think they both love their children, so hopefully things will at least work out to be cordial between the two for their girls sake.

- Melanie F. on May 15th, 2008

I’m someone that isn’t swayed by one interview that I read. I think there is a lot of not so good decision making on both sides of this situation. Each has come out and made negative remarks about each other and I have a hard time respecting that.

I tend to see Denise as someone who is grasping. Seeking ways to stay in the media but I will say that I am glad to see bp9′s comments about how well adjusted the girls seem to be in their “normal” life with their Mom. If anything good is to come out of this situation it’s that the kids love their parents and turn out to be good, well adjusted girls.

- Melissa on May 15th, 2008

I respect Denise. I never talked about her (I am just a woman in totally different industry and background here in Los Angeles so I don’t talk about celebrity ) but I felt like voicing my support to her here on this website! Just a fact that she chose to marry Charlie Sheen (she sure had so many other men that she can pick) shows that she was a very vulnerable woman. But who can blame vulnerability? She just decided to see only good sides of Charlie, but she did it too much. She is a nice woman. Being vulnerable is not a bad thing, but it sure did get her more problems later. But everyone has kissed a frog at least once in lifetime, how can we blame her?
I feel for her.
She is a very honest woman.
I read a gossip that she still wanted more kids from Charlie even after divorce and she is a friend of Charlie’s current wife. She was with her friend’s husband and it makes her look like she chose the man over her (estranged) friend. I agree those rumors sound very odd. However, even if that’s “true” or partially “true”, I still understand where she is coming from. Things should have exaggerated in magazines anyway.
I hope she is learning to protect herself more wisely now. She has beauty. I really want her to pick a great man next. I also hope her to find a reliable manager that can really support and direct her to show her good images on TV and magazines.

- Kate J (L.A.) on May 15th, 2008

I love Denise and I hate when people bad mouth her. It seems she is the only stable force in her daughters life since they were born. I think Charlie must be a real hypocrite about “exploiting” the girls on tv….especially when Sam was on HIS tv show Two and a Half Men when she was just a baby…..Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!!! I really believe Denise is a good mother who is looking out for her daughters. From my point of view, Charlie goes out of his way to be a thorn in Denise’s side every chance he gets.

- Ella on May 15th, 2008

I honestly think people shouldnt bash Denise for the reality show or coming out about the relationship between Charlie and herself! She is a celebrity if she wants to do a reality show then let her it doesnt mean that she is gonna be the same as some other who may have tried to exploit their children in the past c’mon people dont judge her its really unfair. She lets paparazzi take pics of her children and you have never once seen her shield her children when they are out…they didnt choose that life but yes if is something they are gonna have to deal with in the years to come. Also, on Charlie and herself everyone has had rumors started about what happened between them let her tell her side and try to set things straight they are the only ones who know the truth and all we have been getting is lies and rumors from the tabloids honestly people maybe she can set somethings straight so when her daughters get older and hear things others day they will know hey thats not what happened and they will know the truth.

I just think people should leave her alone its her choice not yours!!!

- Meagan on May 15th, 2008

One things that struck me was that it seemed to bother her that Charlie didn’t take her up on her offer of providing him with a list of guests. This has a slight ring of control to it. Maybe Charlie wanted to do his own thing and invite his own friends and their kids to his party for his daughter. Maybe Denise doesn’t have to put her suggestions into every single thing he does. I have no idea what goes on in any of their lives, but that statement did stand out to me.

- jenna on May 15th, 2008

I have a lot more respect for her after reading this article. Her divorce sounds very similar to mine and for that I feel badly for her.

As for her having another child when she already suspected it would not work, I did the same thing because even if you have doubts you still want to believe that it’ll work. My ex and I agreed on many things but clashed a lot over how we were raising the kids.

I agree that we cannot judge this show of hers before we see it for ourselves…it’s as bad as listening to gossip as the truth.

I think the point she was making about the party is that she was trying to be cordial by inviting him and was expecting the same respect back…but didn’t receive it. I think it’s great he wanted to throw her his own party as well but I’d call the timing questionable lol.

- Tracey on May 15th, 2008

She doesn’t want to talk badly about Charlie but then she takes every opportunity to do so through-out the interview? Ummm… ‘kay.

Is this woman even thinking that her daughters might read this someday? She might not bash Charlie around them (I somehow doubt it), but one day they are going to read this interview and see what she said. Or, who knows – maybe their friends will hear their parents discussing it and tell them what they heard. It’s probably already happened before and here we go again…

This interview just reinforced everything I had already thought of Denise: self-involved, hypocritical, and bitter. As far as her reality show… I’m with Charlie: BOYCOTT.

- Erin on May 15th, 2008

Not a one of us knows Charlie or Denise and have absolutely no idea how they have treated one another. We have heard tidbits here and there and we have no history of why either of them do what they do. For every “i did this and he did that,” or visa versa there is a LOT leading up to it. I think to give an opinion about their relationship would be incredibly shallow and unfair to both. What I will say is that I bet they both love their girls very much and truly believe they are doing their best…. like most of us. Having said that about their relationship, should she have their girls on the show?…. it truly is a no win. She needs to earn money, SHE is a breadwinner, and they are his daughters too, yet it is an area where she will be judged harshly no matter which decision she makes. Lola and Sam are so very precious, I just wish C & D could maybe get some counseling to help bridge their relationship ( if they are not)

- Campbell on May 15th, 2008

I like denise and she is doing nothing wrong IMO. Charlie isn’t exactly an angel with all his past behavior and he has talked about her too. She is just saying her side of the story. She seems very much hands on, and her girls are adorable. Lots of people have reality shows with their kids or babies on, tori spelling, travis and shanna barker, scott baio, kimora simmons, etc, does that make people uncomfortable too, I think it’s a double standard where denise is concerned. Also it’s good she tries to be nice to the paparazzi, much better than cursing or throwing a fit, cause that just makes the kids nervous. and paparazzi is something all celebrity children have to deal with.

- brooke on May 15th, 2008

I want to be clear about my comments. There have been a fair number of posts that state, ‘children shouldn’t be on reality shows,’ or something to that effect. That was what I was addressing. I understand the opposition to the show given that Charlie is *against* it. But my point is that not everyone is using the *both parents have to be on board* argument. A lot of people are simply stating that they don’t believe children belong on reality shows and that is fine. My point is simply that a lot of reality show participants include their children, the fact that both parents are involved/agreed to it is irrelevant if one firmly belives that children simply have no place on these shows.

- jenni on May 15th, 2008

Melissa Etheridge is a neighbor of Denise’s. She had said time and time again how Denis exploits the children by taking them from the nanny and organising tabloid photographers to take pictures of her to ensure she is in magazines, newspapers etc.

This is not a nice woman. It is devious and cunning. Charlie is often portrayed as the bad one yet he is the only parent those children have looking out for their interests.

- Lisa on May 15th, 2008

I’m not a fan nor a non-fan of Denise Richards but this was a good interview. I do think it was kind of contradictoring for her to mention how she doesn’t want anyone bad-mouthing Charlie but it seems she did a lot of that in the interview!

I probably won’t watch her reality show but I really don’t think she’s “exploiting” her children by having them on it. Obviously, she was right when she said she’ll either be thought of as exploiting them or ignoring them, no matter what. Come on, her show would not make it if those girls weren’t on it. Seriously.

She seems like a really sweet, good person. She did mention that she knows she had responsibility for the divorce, just as Charlie did.

- Stephany on May 15th, 2008

i love and TOTALLY respect Denise

i mean, i know what she’s going through, except, my divorce wasn’t public.
my ex totally deserves to be talked about but i will not lower myself when im with my daughters b/c thats their daddy and they love him. but i appluad denise for being so tough and cool through everything.

- melanie on May 15th, 2008

I’d never thought much about Denise, other than “she’s pretty” until the Richie-Heather thing transpired. Denise running off into the sunset with her friend’s husband, left a really bad taste in my mouth. Plus, she flaunted in such a way…I will always think of that when I see or read anything about her. Tacky, Tacky, and dead a$$ wrong.

I do appreciate her honesty during this interview. Celebrities spend so much time these days denying pregnancies, relationships, weight loss strategies, and even marriages. It’s refreshing to have someone just put it out there.

I think her show will be interesting. Whatever she cares to share about Charlie, she’s entitled to. That was her life, her experience. She has the right to tell her story…and he happens to have been in it. As for the children being on the show-I dont see the problem. If you’re a mother with a reality show, the reality is that you’re a MOTHER with a reality show. LOL. It wouldn’t be “reality” if such a component of her life was missing. I think Kimora’s Life in the Fab Lane and Run’s House are great examples of including the entire family tastefully.

- m-dot on May 16th, 2008

I have never een a fan of Denise, but this article made me like her a little bit. She seems to be a decent mom in a no-win situation. As far as the birthday party thing, she said she tried to give Charlie a list of HER DAUGHTER’S friends and he wasn’t interested. Instead he invited the children of his friends.

- hkdiaz on May 17th, 2008

Whatever went on in the divorce and marriage is between Charlie and Denise. I just don’t think having children on a reality show is right. These are young kids and they have no say in how they are “used” by the director or producer. If Denise truly wants to take the high road, then please don’t do the show. To me Nicole Kidman was the epitome of grace in a divorce. She carried her head high and never said a word against Tom. I guess I just wish more Hollywood stars would do the same.

- Dani on May 18th, 2008