Denise Richards, the star of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," has made serious allegations against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, claiming that he has "repeatedly" physically abused her throughout their marriage. Court documents filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court reveal that Richards was granted a temporary restraining order against Phypers, indicating the severity of her claims. These documents were obtained by CNN and highlight the alarming nature of the accusations.
In her declaration, Richards detailed a disturbing pattern of abuse. She alleged that Phypers would "frequently violently choke" her, "violently squeeze" her head with both hands, and "tightly squeeze" her arms. Furthermore, she described incidents where he would "violently slap" her in the face and head, "aggressively slam" her head into a bathroom towel rack, and even threaten to kill her. The filing also mentioned that Phypers hacked into her laptop and phone to download "all of my text messages," demonstrating a breach of privacy that adds another layer to the accusations.
In response to the allegations, Phypers issued a statement to People magazine, vehemently denying any claims of abuse. He stated, "Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone." He described the accusations as "completely false and deeply hurtful," asserting that, like many couples, they have faced challenges but emphasizing that any suggestion of abuse is "categorically untrue." Phypers expressed that he has always approached their marriage "with love, patience, and respect."
Richards further elaborated in her court filing that she had been "afraid" to report Phypers to authorities due to his frequent threats to kill both himself and her if she sought help. This fear of retaliation has kept her silent about the abuse for too long. She stated, "As with most of Aaron’s abuse of me, I felt fearful Aaron may kill me or cause me serious bodily harm." One of the exhibits included in the filing features a photo of Richards with what appears to be a black eye, adding visual evidence to her claims.
These shocking allegations come shortly after Phypers filed for divorce from Richards, according to publicly available court records. This timing raises questions about the circumstances surrounding their separation and the dynamics of their relationship. As this situation unfolds, it highlights the importance of addressing domestic abuse and the resources available for those in similar situations.
If you or someone you know is struggling with intimate partner violence, it is essential to seek help. Resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available to provide support and guidance. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who can help you navigate these challenging circumstances.
