Denise Richards Returns to Instagram, Gets Support From Daughter Sami After Aaron Phypers Split

Denise Richards returned to Instagram amid her divorce from Aaron Phypers.

“Happy Birthday, Mom in Heaven,” Denise, 54, captioned her social media post on Sunday, July 20. “You would’ve been 72 today. We miss and love you so much.”

The reality star shared two photos to honor her late mother, Joni Richards. The first image showed Denise and Joni holding a young Sami Sheen and Lola Sheen. The second was multiple photos of Joni when she was younger. (Denise’s mom died of cancer at age 54 in November 2007.)

Sami, 21, shared a message of support for her mom in the comments section.

“I love you so much mom,” Denise’s eldest daughter wrote. (Denise shares Sami and Lola, 20, with ex-husband Charlie Sheen. She is also the mother to adopted daughter Eloise, 14.)

Sunday’s Instagram post marked Denise’s first post since Phypers, 52, filed for divorce on July 7 after six years of marriage.

“They love each other, but they haven’t been happy,” a source told Us Weekly exclusively following their split. “He filed for divorce, but she can’t continue like this either.”

The same insider noted that financial stress, in part, led to their breakup.

“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 source continued. “It took a toll on both of them.”

Denise has since alleged that Phypers was physically abusive to her throughout their marriage. She detailed the fight that ended their relationship while filing for a restraining order, claiming Phypers “repeatedly got within two inches” of her face and was “screaming” profanities at her.

“Aaron repeatedly grabbed my left arm tightly in an aggressive manner,” she further alleged. “I told Aaron repeatedly that he needed to stay away from me and that he was going to hurt me.”

Phypers has since denied abuse claims in a statement to Us.

He also sent a letter to Denise’s family and friends claiming that the Bravo star needs an intervention, Us can confirm.

“I’m reaching out today not in anger, but in heartbreak — as a man, a husband, a son, a brother, and a father who has spent years loving, supporting, and protecting his family,” Phypers’ letter read, in part. “I love my wife more than words can ever fully express. That has never changed. But the recent public accusations made against me are not only false — they are devastating. I have never, ever physically harmed my wife, and I did not give her a black eye. I have only ever stepped in to protect her or others — including separating her from physically attacking our daughter — always coming from a place of care and concern.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.