Denise Richards is navigating a difficult period as her marriage to Aaron Phypers ends amidst accusations of domestic abuse and a series of escalating legal battles. Phypers filed for divorce from Richards on July 7, 2025, citing "irreconcilable differences" and listing the date of separation as July 4. The couple had been married for nearly seven years, tying the knot on September 8, 2018, in Malibu, shortly after Phypers' divorce from Nicollette Sheridan was finalized.
Following the divorce filing, Richards accused Phypers of repeated physical abuse throughout their marriage. Court documents revealed disturbing allegations, including claims that Phypers "frequently violently choked" her, "violently squeezed" her head, slapped her, and "aggressively slammed" her head into a bathroom towel rack. Richards also alleged that Phypers threatened to kill her, held her down with his knee on her back, and gave her at least three concussions. She submitted photos as evidence, including one showing her with a black eye. In response, Richards was granted a temporary restraining order against Phypers.
Richards claimed she had been afraid to report Phypers to the police earlier because he repeatedly threatened to kill himself and her if she did. She also alleged that he possessed eight unregistered guns and some bulletproof vests. Furthermore, Richards accused Phypers of hacking into her phone and laptop, using the content to threaten, hurt, and even kill her.
Phypers has denied all allegations of abuse, calling them "completely false and deeply hurtful". He claimed that Richards was creating a story to save her image and that he possessed "all the real evidence".
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Phypers has requested spousal support from Richards, estimating that she grosses over $250,000 a month from OnlyFans, TV appearances, brand deals, and other ventures. He claims to have no income after closing his wellness clinic in 2024. Phypers also provided details of their expenses, estimating they spent $105,000 a month, including significant amounts on rent, clothing, entertainment, and dining out. He is seeking confirmation from the court that certain property belongs to him, including power tools, a motorcycle, and a sports car.
Richards, in turn, has filed to have Phypers and his family evicted from her home, claiming he failed to pay rent and that they have severely damaged the property. She expressed concern that her dogs would be harmed and her property destroyed during the eviction process. A source close to Phypers alleged that Richards' filings were an attempt to divert attention from her "adulterous affair".
Adding another layer to the dispute, Phypers has accused Richards of being addicted to Vicodin and needing an "intervention". He alleged she was no longer eating real meals and had passed out from substances, endangering herself and others, including while driving with their daughter Eloise. He also claimed Richards had him sign adoption papers for Eloise but "failed to file them," leaving him "legally without his daughter". Richards' attorney has denied these allegations, accusing Phypers of abuse and harassment.
Richards has described the divorce as a "very difficult time" and acknowledged that there are things about it that are hard to talk about. She thanked fans for their support and said she hopes to process everything and get through it. This is Richards' second divorce, her first being from Charlie Sheen, with whom she shares two daughters. She was briefly engaged to actor Charlie Sheen in 2001, and they married in June 2002. In March 2005, while pregnant with their second child, Richards filed for divorce from Sheen, and it was finalized in November 2006.
