In a shocking turn of events, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alums Teddi Mellencamp and Erika Jayne didn’t hold back on their podcast Diamonds in the Rough on July 11, as they tore into Aaron Phypers, the soon-to-be ex-husband of their co-star Denise Richards. The duo labeled Phypers “gross” and a “douchelord” while addressing his divorce filing against Denise, which dropped like a bombshell on July 4. Adding fuel to the fire, Teddi also opened up about her recent split from TV producer Ricci Rea, citing her ongoing battle with brain and lung cancer as a key reason for calling it quits.
Denise Richards’ Divorce Drama: Aaron’s “Disgusting” Moves
Denise Richards, 54, is navigating a messy split from Aaron Phypers, 49, who filed for divorce after six years of marriage. The filing, which stunned fans, included a jaw-dropping request for spousal support from the hard-working mom of three—Sami Sheen, 21, Lola Sheen, 20, and Eloise, 14. Teddi and Erika, both 44 and 54 respectively, were quick to call out Phypers’ audacity.
“Did you see the other ones that bit the dust?” Teddi quipped on the podcast, via Page Six, referencing Denise and Aaron’s crumbling marriage. She recalled Denise’s firm stance against divorce on her short-lived reality show, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, where the actress declared she’d “never believe in divorce.” Yet, as Teddi pointed out, “He f*cking filed on July 4th,” a move she and Erika found utterly deplorable.
Erika, known for her no-nonsense attitude, slammed Phypers for seeking spousal support from Denise, a dedicated mother who has consistently supported her daughters. “He’s asking her for spousal support,” Erika noted, with Teddi adding, “[He wants] a lot.” Erika passionately defended Denise, saying, “Come on, man. Don’t do this. [He] should not be asking for spousal support.”
The real kicker, however, was Phypers’ failure to acknowledge Eloise, Denise’s youngest daughter, in his divorce filing. Both Teddi and Erika were under the impression that Phypers had adopted Eloise, whom Denise welcomed into their family after tying the knot in September 2018. “I thought he had adopted Eloise,” Erika admitted, calling his omission “interesting.” Teddi was less diplomatic, branding Phypers a “d*ckwad” and speculating that his refusal to claim Eloise was a calculated move to avoid financial obligations. “It’s because he doesn’t ever wanna have to pay [Denise] anything,” she fumed.
The pair didn’t mince words, with Teddi concluding, “You’re gross, douchelord. Sorry. Very few men do I despise as much as that guy. He’s easy to despise.” Their message to Phypers? “Leave [Denise] the f*ck alone.”
Teddi’s Heartbreaking Split from Ricci Rea
On the same episode, via PEOPLE, Teddi shared her own personal update, revealing she ended her budding romance with TV producer Ricci Rea, whom she went public with just last month. The decision, she explained, stemmed from her ongoing battle with brain and lung cancer, which has left her physically and emotionally drained.
“Right now, it started getting to the point where it’s starting to get a little bit more serious,” Teddi said of her relationship with Rea. “I was like, ‘I don’t have the capacity for this right now.’” Despite describing Rea as a “really nice guy” and “sweet and kind,” Teddi admitted the timing was off. “I don’t feel my best,” she confessed, noting that her limited downtime is dedicated to rest and managing her health.
Teddi was candid about the challenges of dating while juggling her health struggles, three children, and a packed schedule that includes “87 podcasts” and countless activities. “I’ve had to make it clear to people I’ve dated [that] this is where I am. This is what I’ve got,” she explained. “If it’s enough for you, great. If it’s not enough, I won’t be upset.”
She praised Rea’s willingness to stand by her, sharing that he said, “I am willing to do anything to be able to spend time with you.” However, Teddi ultimately decided to prioritize her well-being, noting that their breakup occurred before the press even caught wind of their romance. “By the time they figured out who my mystery man was, we’re already done,” she quipped.
A United Front for Denise
As Denise faces the fallout from her divorce and Teddi navigates her health and heartbreak, the bond between the RHOBH alums remains strong. Teddi and Erika’s fiery defense of Denise underscores their loyalty, while their candid discussion sheds light on the personal toll of public scandals. For now, Denise is focusing on her daughters, and Teddi is taking life one day at a time, proving that resilience and friendship shine even in the face of adversity.