Denise Richards’ split from Aaron Phypers has taken a darker turn, with new testimony alleging years of physical abuse and violent threats.
According to People, the actress is asking a Los Angeles court to make her temporary restraining order against Phypers permanent, saying she no longer feels safe around him.
During a hearing on October 6, Richards’ legal team detailed incidents in which she says her estranged husband turned violent. The couple married in 2018, but according to Richards, their relationship descended into intimidation, arguments, and physical altercations that left her fearful for her life. She first filed for protection after Phypers initiated divorce proceedings in July.
Supporting her account was Kathleen McAllister — Phypers’ cousin — who testified virtually. McAllister, who once worked with Phypers in his Malibu medical office, claimed she saw Richards injured on multiple occasions.
One of the most vivid examples she described occurred in January 2022. “I saw Aaron hit Denise and immediately she had a really bad black eye,” she said, adding that both women were “in shock” as it happened.
McAllister further alleged Phypers once slammed Richards against a concrete wall near his truck, choking her until her head hit the surface.
On another occasion, she said she overheard chaos from a bathroom and later learned that Richards’ head had been forced into a metal fixture, leaving her with another injury. According to McAllister, she believed alcohol often fueled the fights.
Perhaps the most disturbing part of her testimony was the claim that Phypers repeatedly threatened to kill Richards — and her.
“He threatened to kill us,” she told the court, saying she believed the threats were serious and escalating over time.
Phypers has denied all allegations of abuse in past statements, calling Richards’ accusations “false” and “hurtful.” He has not yet responded publicly to McAllister’s claims.
The case will continue in court through October 8, with Richards hoping to secure long-term protection.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for confidential support.