Denise Richards said in a new interview that her decision to leave “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” wasn’t an easy one.
The 49-year-old actress told “The Real” on its Monday premiere episode that despite fans thinking she exited the show following an allegation she had an affair with Brandi Glanville — which she has adamantly denied — she really just wanted to pursue other projects.
“I’ve been a fan of the show and had a lot of fun doing my first season,” Richards said in a clip of the episode obtained by People. “Obviously my second season was very challenging. You know, I went back and forth with it and at the end of the day, I decided it was time for me to move on and focus on other projects that I have. I’m glad that I did it though.”
“The Bold and the Beautiful” actress also thanked “The Real” co-host Garcelle Beauvais — who appeared with Richards on “RHOBH” and joined “The Real” for its upcoming seventh season — for her unwavering support.
“Garcelle, it almost makes me want to cry,” she said. “I truly could not have gotten through the season without you, honestly. She is a girl’s girl, a good friend. Your loyalty is beyond and I really could not have gotten through this season without you.”
Richards announced her departure earlier this month. Last week, executive producer Andy Cohen addressed her exit on People’s “Reality Check,” confirming that they were actually “negotiating a deal with her” when she decided to leave.
“I’m just sad we couldn’t reach an agreement for next season,” he said. “I’m kind of living in that sadness.”
Page Six reported that Richards was asking for an “excessive” amount to return to the show.
A source told us, “People think that she didn’t want to come back and that it’s because she got ‘mean-girled’ [by other cast members]. The truth is she did want to come back. But [Bravo] didn’t want to pay her what she asked for. It was way out of her pay grade.”
Unfortunately, Richards isn’t the only cast member to be exiting. Earlier on Monday, it was revealed that Teddi Mellencamp is expected to get the ax.