Denise Richards Accuses Ex-Husband of Violent Threats and Physical Abuse

In a dramatic turn of events, Denise Richards, the 54-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, has come forward with allegations of abuse against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers. The couple's tumultuous relationship has been thrust into the spotlight as Richards testified in court about the alleged incidents that led to their divorce filing in July 2025.

According to Richards, the abuse in their relationship escalated over time, with Phypers, 53, frequently threatening to "throw [her] through the windows and off balconies" of hotels. She tearfully recounted how he would "grab [her] arms and yell, call [her] names" such as "cheating whore and a c--- and a lying bitch." Richards also claimed that Phypers physically assaulted her, including an incident where he "hit the back of her left ear" while she was recovering from a facelift, causing bleeding and pain.

The former Housewife further alleged that Phypers would become "very hostile and aggressive" over her communication with other men, even going so far as to "hit [her] with his right hand" while she was recovering from a surgery. Richards stated that she felt "extremely vulnerable and in pain" during these altercations, which left her feeling "scared, sad, and intimidated" by her much larger estranged husband.

In the aftermath of these incidents, Richards was granted a temporary restraining order against Phypers in July 2025, just 11 days after he had filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences." The couple's tumultuous relationship and the allegations of abuse have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on both their personal and professional lives.