Denise Richards Says Bond Girl Criticism ‘Broke My Heart’

Actress Denise Richards is no stranger to criticism, but it appears she has been holding onto at least one piece of negative feedback for decades!

In the 1999 film "The World Is Not Enough," the now-52-year-old actress played Dr. Christmas Jones, opposite Pierce Brosnan, who played the role of James Bond in the film.

In a new interview, the actress said "It broke my heart" that people were "making fun" of her outfit, which featured the nuclear scientist wearing short shorts that showed off her long legs.

Earlier this month, Variety caught up with Denise Richards, who was in Cannes promoting her new series, "Paper Empire." At the premiere, Denise recalled critical comments that were made against her character at the time.

"It broke my heart that people were making fun of me," she called, saying that people would make comments to her like, "Oh, really? You're wearing shorts and you're a nuclear scientist?"

"I'm playing a Bond girl," she reminded fans. "If I wore a lab coat and pants and a suit, then [fans] would have been upset, like, 'Okay, why isn't she looking like a sexy Bond girl?'"

This is not the first time that Denise Richards has voiced her opinion about criticism that she received from her Bond Girl character. In 2012, over a decade ago, she told USA Today that "there's not too many scientists who run around in little shorts with a tattoo."

"So many people made fun of how I was dressed when the movie came out," she said at the time. "That's part of the appeal of Bond. These Bond girls are so outrageous and if I did really look like a scientist, the Bond fans would have been disappointed."

Despite releasing her memoir, “The Real Girl Next Door,” in 2011, the "Starship Troopers" alum told Variety that she has been "very quiet about" her negative experiences in Hollywood, especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

"I obviously went through a lot in my career early on, when I did Wild Things especially," she told the outlet. Last year, after she joined OnlyFans, Denise recreated her steamy pool scene from the movie with adult film star Abella Danger.

"And one day I will talk about that experience," she added. "And some stuff right after that and a little before, but it's, uh … you know, I'm glad that we're in a time where women are being empowered and being able to have more of a voice."

Later on in her conversation with Variety, she also shared her belief that James Bond should stay male. Although there has been chatter that a woman should be tapped to be the next 007, Denise believes that James Bond was created as a man and should stay a man for future installments of the franchise.

"Definitely a male Bond, I'm sorry," she told the publication. "I might get a lot of flack for this. But the fact of the matter is the Bond franchise was based off of a book franchise and Bond was male in the books and I believe [they should] continue with that."

"I do, and people may s--- on me for it, but I believe it," she continued, adding that "They could do a spinoff where a Bond girl becomes the female Bond." Denise wrapped up her thoughts on the matter, saying, "But I think James Bond is James Bond."

In a separate interview with Variety, the “RHOBH” admitted that she was heading back to the show in a limited capacity. “I have filmed some episodes,” she said. “And it’s been fun. And you know, I’m a big fan of the show, so it was fun to go back and film a lot of stuff with them.”

“When I left after my second season, I just felt as though some of the women were very toxic and they played so dirty,” she continued. “I understand there has to be drama, but I also think it’s fun to see women having fun, especially this age group.”

“I also think it’s great to show you can have fun,” she added. “But I don’t think it’s a positive message to try and tear people down. You can have your opinions, but don’t try to tear people down. I don’t think it’s right. I mean, that part I don’t like.”