Denise Richards Claims Death Threat From Estranged Husband, Wins Restraining Order

July 17, 2025: Denise Richards has come forward with disturbing allegations against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, accusing him of repeated domestic abuse and threats throughout their marriage. The Wild Things actress was granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order on Wednesday, sharing detailed claims of physical assault and emotional torment, along with photographic evidence, according to People.

In her court filing, Richards described a harrowing pattern of abuse: “Aaron would frequently violently choke me, violently squeeze my head with both hands, tightly squeeze my arms, violently slap me in my face and head, aggressively slam my head into the bathroom towel rack, threaten to kill me, hold me down with his knee on my back… and hack into my laptop and phone and download all of my text messages.” She added that Phypers “regularly threatened to ‘break my jaw,’” and while he would sometimes promise to seek help, “none of which ever happened.”

Richards also stated that Phypers owns “at least eight unregistered guns” and had repeatedly threatened to kill her, himself, and the police. Her decision to delay reporting the alleged abuse was due to these threats. “He has repeatedly threatened to kill himself and me if I reported him to the police,” Richards said. “He threatened that I would ‘disappear’ if I called the police.”

One recent alleged incident occurred on July 4, when Richards claims Phypers came within inches of her face, screamed profanities, and “grabbed both of my arms forcefully and pushed me and dragged me to the ground,” causing her to land hard on the stairs.

The allegations come just days after Phypers filed for divorce on July 7, citing irreconcilable differences after six years of marriage. Around the same time, it was reported that Richards’ Bravo reality series, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, would not return for another season.

Phypers issued a public denial through People: “I want to address recent rumors and speculation that have surfaced regarding my relationship with my wife, Denise Richards. Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone. These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful.”

He continued, “Denise and I, like many couples, have faced our share of challenges, but any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue. I have always tried to approach our marriage with love, patience, and respect. I ask for privacy as we navigate personal matters.”

A court hearing regarding the restraining order is scheduled for August 8.