9021-OMG! Kim Richards' 16 Wildest Secrets & Scandals
Sept. 22 2016, Updated 2:57 p.m. ET
Kim Richards' life may not be as glamorous as it looks on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. From rehab to a secret death, Richards has a slew of secrets and scandals both on and off camera.
Kim Richards' life may not be as glamorous as it looks on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. From rehab to a secret death, Richards has a slew of secrets and scandals both on and off camera.
Rehab: Richards went to rehab in 2012 for an alcohol addiction and has openly talked about her struggles to stay sober. "I'm getting reconnected with my kids, and that's been a huge thing for me," she said after leaving rehab. "It's not what I expected when I came home. I was like, ‘Hey! I'm home! Let's all get back exactly where we were!' And they were like, ‘Ummm, life is a little different now.' So it was like a little bit of a challenge when I got home, which I didn't expect."
Relapse? Richards spent much of the current Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season battling rumors that she relapsed, especially after she appeared out of control during a poker party. Her excuse was that she had been battling bronchitis and pneumonia prior to the party, had taken something for the pain, and that it didn't settle well with her. Richards insisted that she was not drinking again.
Child Star: In the 70s, Richards starred as a child actress in many Disney films and TV shows including Escape to Witch Mountain, No Deposit and No Return.
Young Bride: At just 21, Richards married her first husband, G. Monty Brinson. But the couple divorced three years later in 1988 and shared custody of their daughter, Brooke.
Sickness: In 2014, an insider said that Richards moved in with her ex-husband Brinson after he was diagnosed with teriminal cancer. "When Monty was diagnosed with cancer, it was a kick in the stomach to Kim," the source said. "He has always been the constant in her life. They moved in together so Kim could take care of Monty during his illness. Sadly, Monty has been told the cancer is terminal."
Kid Problems: In 2013, one of Richards' four children was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold after neighbors spotted the young adult naked in the street and not speaking incoherently.
Famous Family: Richards is aunt to Paris Hilton and fashion designer Nicky Hilton. Paris and Nicky are Richards' sister Kathy Hilton's daughters.
Second Failed Marriage: In the 90s, Richards ended her second marriage to Gregg Davis, who is in the oil business. But as part of the divorce, Richards now receives $276,000 a year for the rest of her life — that is, until she gets married again.
Bad Boyfriend: After the end of her second marriage, Richards began a relationship with John Collett, who was linked to a scam involving 8,000 elderly investors and resulting in $150 million in losses. Richards was on the phone with her boyfriend on Oct. 28, 1991, when someone shot Collett in the head and killed him. Richards had to identify his body.
Drug Accusations: After getting cornered during an episode of RHOBH, another cast member accused Richards of being "cracked out" from using crystal meth.
Bad Dog: Richards' pet pitbull attacked her niece Alexia Umansky in November. Umansky required medical attention.
Second Attack: Richards' dog also attacked her "second mother," 80-year-old Kay Rozario. Rozario required medical care after the dog bit her hand.
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Sued: Rozario sued Richards over the dog attack.
Bad Acting: In the early 80s, Richards had a part in the sitcom Hello, Larry, which TV Guide has ranked among the 50 Worst Shows of All Time.
Custody Crisis: In the summer of 2009, Richards was given custody of her family friend Casey Johnson's 3-year-old daughter, Ava-Monroe, when the Johnson & Johnson heiress, then 29, checked into rehab at Cliffside Malibu, a 2013 book alleges. According to the book, Johnson took her kid back after Ava started calling Richards "mommy."
Family Feud: Richards has been feuding with her sister Kyle ever since her pitbull attacked Kyle's daughter. And during the current season of RHOBH, Kyle has distanced herself from Kim after Kim acted erratic several times throughout the season.
