Allegations of Abuse Emerge as Restraining Order Is Granted
Denise Richards has made a chilling series of accusations against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, outlining years of alleged physical abuse, threats, and coercion. On Wednesday, a California court granted the Wild Things actress a temporary domestic violence restraining order. This marks a dramatic turn in what had previously appeared to be a private separation. Court documents obtained by People reveal a harrowing account of a marriage shaped by violence, fear, and control.
According to Richards, the abuse was both frequent and severe. She states that Phypers violently choked her, slammed her head into a towel rack, slapped her face, and pinned her down with a knee to her back while she pleaded for her life. “Aaron would frequently violently choke me, violently squeeze my head with both hands, tightly squeeze my arms, violently slap me in my face and head, aggressively slam my head into the bathroom towel rack,” Richards said. She also alleges that Phypers threatened to break her jaw and accessed her private messages without permission by downloading data from her devices.
Richards emphasized that these were not isolated incidents. She claims the abuse was part of an ongoing pattern throughout the marriage. She further alleges that Phypers repeatedly threatened both her life and his own. In her statement, she says he owned at least eight unregistered firearms and often warned her that she would disappear if she ever called the police. The restraining order, which remains active until the scheduled hearing on August 8, provides temporary protection as the case moves through the legal system.
A Marriage in Crisis Behind Closed Doors
These revelations come only weeks after Phypers filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences after six years of marriage. The legal filing seemed to present a standard breakup. However, soon after, it was also announced that Richards’ Bravo show Denise Richards & Her Wild Things would not return for another season. The timing of the show’s cancellation raised questions about deeper struggles behind the scenes.
In sworn testimony, Richards recounted one particularly violent altercation on July 4. She described Phypers getting within inches of her face, shouting profanities, and then physically dragging her. “He grabbed both of my arms forcefully and pushed me and dragged me to the ground. I landed hard on the stairs causing me immense pain,” she said. While it was not the first time she feared for her life, she explained that she had remained silent for years due to threats and emotional pressure.
Richards said she was reluctant to come forward earlier because of what she described as Phypers’ manipulation. According to her statement, he repeatedly threatened suicide and used that threat to stop her from reporting the abuse. “He has repeatedly threatened to kill himself and me if I reported him to the police,” she said. In her legal filing, she described this as part of a cycle of fear that left her emotionally paralyzed while the abuse worsened over time.
Phypers Speaks Out and Denies All Allegations
As public support began to build for Richards, Aaron Phypers issued a statement through People in which he denied all accusations. “I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise or anyone,” he said. He described the claims as completely false and deeply hurtful. While he acknowledged that the marriage had faced its share of difficulties, he insisted those challenges never included abuse. “I have always tried to approach our marriage with love, patience, and respect,” he added.
Phypers also asked the public and media to respect their privacy during this time. “I ask for privacy as we navigate personal matters,” he said in the statement. “And I hope that the public and media will refrain from spreading harmful and baseless claims.” His legal team has not provided additional comments in advance of the court date on August 8.
Although Phypers has denied all wrongdoing, Richards’ legal action signals a strong resolve to protect herself and share her story. The upcoming hearing is expected to introduce more evidence and testimony. For now, the court has responded by granting her temporary protection, and the public is paying close attention to what happens next.