Ummm ... is this whole thing a cheap ploy to get attention for the upcoming season of RHOBH?

Denise Richards looks chic in her furry black jacket and Balenciaga bag during a night out at Craig's in West Hollywood. Richards was notably absent from castmate Erika Jayne's big Broadway performance amid reports of having a 'passionate affair' with Brandi Glanville.

So of course the paps asked Denise about it and she pretended not to wanna talk about it, but really? Then why go to Craig's where you KNOW there'll be HOARDS of paparazzi waiting for you?!