Denise Richards Testifies Against Aaron Phypers in Court Hearing

Actress Denise Richards became visibly emotional during a court hearing in Los Angeles on October 7, 2023, as she testified against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers. The session centered on Richards’ request to make permanent a temporary restraining order granted in July after she accused Phypers of physical abuse. The hearing unfolded amid rising tensions, with Richards detailing her distressing experiences in their six-year marriage.

As part of the proceedings, Phypers’ legal team presented a video recorded by Richards in early August while she was moving out of their shared studio townhouse. This footage, filmed shortly after Phypers filed for divorce, revealed the emotional turmoil that had characterized their relationship. In a poignant moment, Richards reflected on her past with Charlie Sheen, the father of her two daughters, Sami and Lola. “Things were bad with Charlie and me, but he never hit below the belt,” she stated, her voice trembling as she recalled the contrast between her two marriages.

Richards expressed her shock at Phypers’ abrupt decision to file for divorce. “I really thought you were my soulmate,” she said in the video, describing the breakup as “such a shock.” She struggled to articulate the difficulty of her situation, stating, “I don’t know you. Charlie, I knew. Every other ex, I knew. You, I don’t know. That’s why this has been really hard.”

The testimony painted a grim picture of Richards’ marriage to Phypers, which she once viewed as protective but later perceived as abusive. “You were the one person I always thought I could trust and who would protect me — but you turned out to be the opposite,” she lamented. “You’ve hit me too many times, and each time it’s getting worse and worse.” Richards further accused Phypers of infidelity, claiming she found inappropriate images on his devices.

Richards first outlined her allegations in a court filing dated July 17, 2023, where she detailed instances of violent and controlling behavior. She recounted specific incidents, claiming Phypers would “frequently violently choke me,” “slam my head into the towel rack,” and “hold me down with his knee on my back to the point where I had to plead with him to get off so that he would not kill me.” During her testimony, she expanded on these claims, stating that Phypers had “almost killed me so many times,” and threatened to throw her through windows and off balconies. She also claimed he caused her “at least three concussions” throughout their relationship.

The former model revealed that she began documenting these incidents for her safety, fearing for her life. “Each time it happened, I thought it would be the last,” she reportedly told the court.

In stark contrast, Aaron Phypers, aged 53, vehemently denied all allegations of domestic violence, calling them “completely false and deeply hurtful.” He stated, “Denise and I, like many couples, have faced our share of challenges, but any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue.” Phypers insists that he approached their marriage with “love, patience, and respect.”

Phypers countered Richards’ claims by asserting that she was the one who displayed physical aggression during arguments and was unfaithful. He expressed confidence that he would “emerge victorious” from the ongoing domestic violence protection case. A source close to Phypers claimed that if revealing the truth is considered “below the belt,” then he stands by his statement.

The legal proceedings have drawn significant attention, not only due to the nature of the allegations but also because of the potential involvement of Charlie Sheen and television personality Brandi Glanville as witnesses. Phypers’ attorney has filed a witness list that includes both individuals, asserting they may testify about Richards’ alleged history of untruthfulness and struggles with substance abuse.

As the Los Angeles court prepares to determine whether to extend Richards’ restraining order permanently, the public continues to rally behind her for her courage in bringing these allegations to light. Meanwhile, Phypers maintains that the case will ultimately clear his name.

The courtroom battle not only highlights the personal struggles of Richards and Phypers but also brings renewed attention to the complexities of emotional abuse and its implications within high-profile relationships. As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the often unseen struggles faced by many behind closed doors.