Denise Richards Testifies About Years of Alleged Abuse by Estranged Husband

During a court hearing, actress and reality TV star Denise Richards broke into tears as she described the alleged physical abuse she endured from her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers. She claimed that his actions led to at least three concussions, leaving her feeling unwell and nauseous.

Richards, who is seeking to make her temporary restraining order against Phypers permanent, recounted specific incidents. She said she was injured on January 17, 2022, with a black eye, and between March and May of the same year, Phypers allegedly slammed her against a concrete wall, hitting her head. In April 2025, she claimed he squeezed her head so tightly that it felt like he was crushing her skull; a chiropractor diagnosed her with concussions.

Richards also described a recent incident in May, where Phypers supposedly smashed her head with his hand while demanding her phone. She expressed fear for her safety, especially since she was recovering from surgery at the time. She recounted feeling disoriented and fearing serious injury, which led her to comply with his demand.

Her testimony was supported by her cousin, Kathleen McAllister, who testified that she saw Phypers hit Richards and saw the resulting black eye. Richards asserted that Phypers has repeatedly denied abusing her, claiming instead that she is the one harassing him. His representatives labeled her claims as “bullying tactics” and alleged that her accusations are an attempt to hide ongoing infidelity, including an affair with her former instructor Rudy Reyes.

Richards claimed that Phypers once threatened to kill her multiple times and that their conflict culminated in a violent fight on July 4, which prompted him to file for divorce. She described how he grabbed and insulted her while she was vulnerable, still healing from a facelift.

The court is continuing to evaluate the case. If the judge rules in her favor, Phypers will be ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from Richards for the next five years.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.