Real Housewives star Denise Richards has revealed the horror that stayed with her after she was sexually assaulted.
The much-loved character competes in Season 3 of Special Forces: The World’s Toughest Test.
After his less-than-perfect appearance during the first day of challenges, Richards was called in for questioning by former SAS Sergeant Major Billy Billingham and former US Navy SEAL Jovan “Q” Quarles.
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“I’ve been quite overcome by some scary situations and I want to learn how to stay calm and do something,” Richards told the two who questioned her.
“Part of the reason I wanted to take this course is because I have been in situations where I would freeze and not be able to function. I can’t even talk to protect myself,” she added.
She explained that Richards’ freezing was the result of a horrific sexual assault that occurred when she was only 15 years old.
“I was 15 and I noticed a guy following me,” she told Billingham and Quarles.
“He came up behind me, put his hand around my mouth, grabbed my vagina, and started dragging me.
“I froze. I couldn’t even scream for help.”
Richards said she only told her husband about the horrific sexual assault before she collapsed and was overcome with emotion.
“It’s very scary to have this situation at this age and be so vulnerable,” she said.
“I have three daughters and I want them to never be able to go through this. And also if, God forbid, something happens, to be strong enough.
Richards went on to reveal that she has frozen in other situations since then, including an incident in 2022 when she and her husband were shot while driving in Los Angeles.
“There was a situation that happened between me and my husband,” she said.
“We were driving. He wanted to take me to prep. He didn’t want me to go alone, thank God,” she recalls.
“And we were physically shot at in his truck.
“I sat on the floor and was literally peeing. I was so scared. I froze.
Decision maker She stated that Richards did not expect to share as much as she did in the question with Bellingham and Quarles.
“I guess I didn’t address a lot of what I went through,” she said.
“It’s very terrifying. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to move on from my past.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counseling Australia on 1800 211 028.