Denise Richards Slams Ex Charlie Sheen for Public HIV Disclosure Before Daughters Were Informed

Denise Richards felt “distressed” by her former spouse Charlie Sheen’s decision to publicly disclose his HIV diagnosis without prior notice.

During a recent installment of Whine Down with Jana Kramer, the 54-year-old performer revealed to host Kramer how Sheen’s announcement left her unprepared to inform their children. 

When questioned about discussing family matters with their daughters before media exposure, Richards explained, “We didn’t anticipate they’d search for information online,” noting her ex-husband’s frequent presence in tabloid stories.

“It’s challenging,” the Wild Things star elaborated. “I’d occasionally warn them, ‘You might hear rumors at school. Always come to me with questions.'”

The actress expressed frustration about learning of Sheen’s 2015 Today show revelation simultaneously with the public. “While understanding his need to address tabloid speculation, advance notice would have helped,” she stated, recalling rushing to collect their daughters from school preemptively.

“Explaining HIV to teenagers proved difficult,” Richards admitted. “Though rare, these necessary conversations contrast with my usual efforts to protect them from public scrutiny.”

The ex-spouses co-parent three children: biological daughters Sami (21) and Lola (19), plus adopted daughter Eloise (13). Sheen originally disclosed his diagnosis during a 2015 interview, stating: “Confirming my HIV-positive status became necessary to stop harmful misinformation about endangering others.”

The actor described his diagnosis following severe neurological symptoms: “Crushing headaches, night sweats, and debilitating migraines led to medical testing four years prior.”

Regarding current family dynamics, Richards clarified: “We maintain separate parenting approaches without active collaboration. While civil, we lack the friendship I’d hoped for – especially regarding blending families with his subsequent children.”

“I’ve always encouraged harmonious relations,” she added. “Our daughters shouldn’t feel pressured to choose between parents.”