Actress Denise Richards, known for her roles in films like “Wild Things” and “Starship Troopers,” revealed she suffered a serious injury while filming season 3 of Fox’s competition series, “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.” During a bridge jump, a crucial challenge on the show, Richards ruptured both of her breast implants. The incident occurred due to the harness she wore for the jump. Richards confirmed the injury during an interview with her husband, Aaron Phypers, on SiriusXM’s “Jeff Lewis Live.”
Richards, 53, stated that the rupture affected both implants and that she has yet to have them repaired. She explained that filming commitments prevented her from undergoing the necessary surgery a month prior to the interview. While she plans to have the implants redone, Richards faces a financial hurdle as her insurance will not cover the cost of the operation.
“I still have to get them redone,” Richards admitted. “I was supposed to a month ago but couldn’t because we were filming… I have to pay. I think we pretty much signed our life away doing that show… It’s dangerous.”
Phypers suggested that Fox should cover the medical expenses, adding, “Maybe we can work that in after the fact.”
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“Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” pushes celebrities to their physical and mental limits through grueling challenges designed to replicate the training of Special Forces soldiers. This season, filmed in Wales, focuses on ocean warfare, subjecting the 16 celebrity recruits to high-pressure scenarios like hostage rescues, treacherous cliff climbs, and frigid water submersion drills.
Richards joins a diverse cast of celebrities for season 3, including former Bachelorette Trista Sutter, actor Stephen Baldwin, reality TV personality Brody Jenner, actress Christy Carlson Romano, and former NFL quarterback Cam Newton. The series promises intense challenges designed to push contestants “to the brink of drowning” according to a press release.
In a separate interview with PEOPLE, Richards shared that her daughters, Sami (20), Lola (19), and Eloise (13), were strongly opposed to her participation in the show, fearing for her safety. They expressed anger and concern about the potential risks involved.
“They [did not want me to do it]. They were afraid I was going to get hurt or get killed, and they were actually really angry,” Richards revealed. “It was the first time of all the times I’ve done different projects or traveled they were very upset with me.”
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Despite her daughters’ apprehension and her self-proclaimed lack of athleticism, Richards felt compelled to take on the challenge. She viewed it as an opportunity for personal growth, pushing her beyond her comfort zone.
“I thought, ‘This is the most challenging thing I’ll ever do, and why not do it?’ I was terrified, but once I made the commitment to do it, I was there,” she said. She also acknowledged feeling intimidated by her fellow competitors, particularly the athletes, but emphasized that the show is ultimately about competing with oneself.
“Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” season 3 premiered on January 8th, 2024, on Fox. The two-hour premiere episode showcased the initial challenges faced by the celebrity recruits, setting the stage for a season filled with intense physical and mental tests.
