Denise Richards Reveals Shocking Abuse Claims!
Denise Richards, 2009. Photo courtesy of Glenn Francis under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Denise Richards has pulled back the curtain on a harrowing chapter of her life, revealing explosive details about the final fight that pushed her to end her marriage to Aaron Phypers. The "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star, known for her poised public image, has shared allegations of verbal and physical abuse that paint a grim picture of their relationship's collapse.
Richards, 54, filed court documents describing a terrifying confrontation on July 4th, when Phypers allegedly became enraged after learning he and his family had to move out of their marital home. What followed was a nearly two-hour ordeal of verbal assaults and physical intimidation that left Richards fearful for her safety. According to the court documents obtained by Page Six, Richards alleges that Phypers screamed degrading profanities at her, including calling her offensive names, while repeatedly invading her personal space and grabbing her arm aggressively.
A Marriage Marked by Alleged Violence and Fear
This explosive fight was not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of years of alleged abuse. Richards detailed a pattern of violence throughout their six-year marriage, including claims that Phypers frequently choked her, squeezed her head and arms violently, slapped her face and head, and slammed her head into a bathroom towel rack. She also alleges that he held her down with his knee on her back to the point where she had to plead for him to stop, fearing for her life.
The actress included graphic images in her court filings, showing bruises and injuries she says resulted from these alleged attacks, including a black eye from an incident in 2022 when Phypers allegedly hit her at his Malibu workplace during a "paranoid" episode about "listening devices" in plants he had purchased, as reported by Page Six.
The Final Blow: A Fight That Changed Everything
The July Fourth confrontation was the breaking point. Richards alleges that Phypers screamed at her for nearly two hours, hurling insults and threats while physically intimidating her. The following day, he allegedly returned to her townhouse, again invading her personal space and yelling expletives. During this encounter, he reportedly struck the bill of her hat with the back of his hand, causing it to fly off and leaving Richards terrified for her life. She also alleges that he threatened that she would "disappear" if she called the police, according to Page Six.
Phypers' alleged threats and violent behavior reportedly kept Richards from leaving the marriage sooner, as he would threaten to kill her or himself if she tried to end things. The actress also alleges that he hacked into her laptop and phone to download her text messages, adding a layer of control and intimidation to the relationship.
Legal Action and Divorce Proceedings
Following these allegations, Richards sought and was granted a restraining order against Phypers, requiring him to stay at least 100 yards away from her and her property, including her home and car. The court documents reveal that their next hearing is scheduled for August 8, as the legal battle continues to unfold.
Phypers, 52, filed for divorce earlier in July, citing irreconcilable differences and listing their separation date as July Fourth - the day of their explosive fight. He also requested spousal support, claiming he had no income and that the couple relied solely on Richards' reported $250,000-a-month income to maintain their lifestyle.
Despite the serious allegations, Phypers has denied all claims of abuse, telling Us Weekly that the accusations are "not true" and "conjured up," insisting he has "the real evidence" to prove his innocence, as reported by Page Six.
A Toxic Relationship Finally Ends
Sources close to the couple have described their relationship as "toxic" and fraught with constant fighting, according to Page Six. An insider told the Daily Mail that tensions had been simmering for some time before the July Fourth fight, which ultimately led Phypers to file for divorce. Observers noted that shortly after filing, Phypers was seen running errands without his wedding ring, signaling the finality of their split.
Richards and Phypers married in September 2018, and their six years together have now unraveled amid these serious allegations and legal battles.
The Broader Picture
This case shines a spotlight on the often-hidden struggles behind celebrity marriages, where glamour and public appearances can mask deep personal turmoil. Richards' decision to come forward with these allegations underscores the importance of addressing domestic abuse, regardless of status or fame.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788.
The unfolding story of Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers is a stark reminder that behind the glitz and glamor, real human struggles persist - and sometimes, the most shocking stories are the ones closest to home.
References: Denise Richards reveals the 'degrading profanities' Aaron Phypers said as he 'repeatedly' hit her in explosive final fight | Denise Richards accuses estranged husband Aaron Phypers of trying to kill her during violent outbursts
