The divorce between Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers is spiraling fast—and it’s getting uglier by the minute. What began with quiet court filings has now erupted into a full-blown war of accusations, with both parties accusing each other of cheating, abuse, and destruction of property. Now, the former couple’s messy split is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Aaron Phypers Claims Denise Richards Cheated and Smashed His Phone
Aaron Phypers is speaking out—and he’s not holding back. In an exclusive interview with TMZ, Phypers alleged that he discovered text messages on Denise Richards’ laptop earlier this year that revealed an ongoing affair. According to Phypers, the messages included “sweet dreams” notes and selfies exchanged between Richards and another man, as well as plans to secretly meet at a hotel.
When he confronted her, Phypers says the couple agreed to stay together—until everything exploded over the July 4 weekend. Richards has claimed the argument stemmed from Phypers demanding access to her phone and becoming verbally abusive, but he is telling a different story.
Phypers insists his phone went missing and accuses Richards of not only stealing it but smashing it. “She hit and scratched me,” he said, adding that he found his phone shattered in the recycling bin. He believes she destroyed the device because it contained evidence of the alleged affair.
Phypers also said Richards texted his mother about her intention to divorce him, prompting him to file first. In a statement to People, he denied all abuse allegations, saying, “Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone.” He added, “Any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue. I have always tried to approach our marriage with love, patience and respect.”
Denise Richards Accuses Phypers of Years of Abuse and Files for a Restraining Order
Denise Richards, meanwhile, is painting a drastically different picture. In court documents obtained by USA TODAY, the actress accused Aaron Phypers of repeated physical and verbal abuse throughout their marriage.
“Aaron regularly threatened to ‘break my jaw’ and would cry, beg me to stay, and promise to get help — none of which ever happened,” Richards wrote in her restraining order request. She claims the abuse resulted in at least three concussions, and alleges that Phypers planted recording devices in her hotel rooms and townhouses.
In a chilling recount of the July 4 incident, Richards alleged that Phypers screamed degrading profanities within inches of her face, physically assaulted her multiple times, and even dragged her to the ground. “Aaron stole my laptop and sent private text messages he had stolen… Aaron threatened that I would ‘disappear’ if I called the police,” she stated in the documents.
Richards, who was previously married to Charlie Sheen, said she didn’t report the abuse sooner due to fear of retaliation. “Until now, I have been afraid to report Aaron to the police… because he has repeatedly threatened to kill himself and me,” she wrote.
She’s now asking the court to grant a full restraining order, return her electronic devices, and prohibit Phypers from contacting her or coming near her home or workplace.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.
