Did Aaron Phypers abuse Denise Richards? Actress tearfully details disturbing allegations

Denise Richards gave emotional testimony in a Los Angeles courtroom on 6 October, breaking down as she accused her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, of repeated abuse during their marriage. Richards, 54, has been embroiled in a bitter legal battle with Phypers since their split earlier this year, and Monday’s hearing was linked to the temporary restraining order she was granted against him in July.

The actress, best known for her roles in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and films such as Wild Things, claimed that Phypers threatened her life on multiple occasions, telling the court that he would threaten to throw her through windows and off balconies. Tearfully, she said, “He’s almost killed me so many damn times,” adding that she often felt intimidated, vulnerable and physically overpowered by him.

Richards recalled incidents spanning years, including times when she was recovering from surgery and allegedly endured violent confrontations. She told the court that Phypers grabbed her arms, shouted insults, and once struck near her ear while she still had stitches after a facelift. She further alleged that he threatened to release intimate photos and said at one point: “Something very dangerous is going to happen to you. You’re going to disappear.”

She also described an April incident in Chicago where Phypers allegedly pushed her down and grabbed her face, and another in May when she was recovering from surgery and claimed he became physically aggressive over her text messages. In court filings, Richards alleged that he “frequently violently choked” her and made threats such as breaking her jaw.

Phypers has denied all allegations. In September, he filed documents accusing Richards of being the aggressor, claiming she harassed him with calls and messages. He stated, “I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise or anyone,” insisting her accusations are “false and deeply hurtful.”

The couple married in 2018 but separated in July 2025 after nearly seven years together. While Richards maintains she lived in constant fear, Phypers has accused her of infidelity and claims she fabricated her abuse allegations. Their divorce continues to unfold in court, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives of their marriage.