Actress Denise Richards took the stand Monday, Oct. 6, in a California courtroom as part of a hearing on the temporary restraining order she was granted in July against estranged husband Aaron Phypers. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star grew emotional while describing alleged physical abuse during their relationship.
Richards testified that Phypers “would often threaten to throw me through the windows and off balconies” and tearfully said, “He’s almost killed me so many damn times.” She said their relationship ended July 4, after a heated argument at their shared townhouse. “He got very angry at me and volatile,” she said, adding that she had just recovered from surgery and “felt extremely vulnerable.”
Richards claimed Phypers “would grab my arms and yell, call me names,” including “cheating whore and a c—.” She said the next morning, Phypers allegedly hit her near the ear, where she still had stitches, causing “so much pain.” She also alleged he later threatened her, saying, “Something very dangerous is going to happen to you. You’re going to disappear.”
In court filings, Richards accused Phypers of repeatedly choking and slapping her, threatening to kill her, and “slamming my head into the bathroom towel rack.” She said he would “cry, beg me to stay, and promise to get help.”
Phypers denied the allegations in his own filing, claiming Richards “attacked and harassed” him and insisting, “I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise—or anyone.”
Richards was granted a temporary restraining order on July 16, eleven days after Phypers filed for divorce. The court ordered him to stay 100 yards away from one of their homes while each retrieved personal belongings from shared properties.
Phypers has repeatedly denied all claims of abuse.