Denise Richards Accuses Ex of Paranoia-Fueled Abuse
Claims estranged husband Aaron Phypers struck her, planted listening devices
Actress Denise Richards has detailed alleged incidents of physical abuse and extreme paranoia by her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, in legal filings for a domestic violence restraining order. The former Bond girl claims Phypers’ irrational fears led to violent outbursts, including striking her in the eye.
Paranoia Over Potted Plants Escalates to Violence
In documents obtained, Richards, 54, states that in January 2022, Phypers, 52, became convinced that potted plants at his now-closed Malibu clinic, Q360 Club, contained listening devices. This paranoia reportedly culminated in him striking her with the heel of his palm.
Denise Richards files for restraining order against Aaron Phypers, alleging domestic violence, paranoia and invasion of privacy.
— World Today News (@WorldTodayNews) July 17, 2025
Richards recounted the event, stating, On the evening of January 17, 2022, at approximately 7:30 PM, an incident occurred at Aaron’s workplace in Malibu, after hours. A female family member was present. Aaron brought several potted plants into the center and became paranoid that they contained listening devices.
She further alleged that after a police officer departed, Phypers resumed yelling and struck her in the eye while calling her a f***ing bi***.
The family member present reportedly provided immediate aid by retrieving frozen food to reduce the swelling.
Accusations of Digital Intrusion and Threats
The producer and star of Denise Richards and Her Wild Things also accused Phypers of accessing her private communications. She claims he uploaded messages from her phone and laptop onto his computer while she slept, later confronting her with the information.
According to the legal documents, Richards stated, Aaron woke me up and screamed at me, ‘You f***ing bi***! I went into your computer and saw your text messages. You lying bi***!’
She has requested the return of her devices and seeks to prevent Phypers from using or disclosing their contents.
Pattern of Alleged Abuse and Threats
The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member detailed a pattern of alleged abuse, including threats to break my jaw.
She claims Phypers would oscillate between violent threats and tearful pleas for her to stay, promising to seek help without following through.
Richards further alleged that Phypers caused her at least three concussions and admitted to leaving recording devices in hotel rooms and her townhouses to monitor her. One documented confrontation on July 4 involved Phypers screaming degrading insults at her, calling her a c*** w****
and a piece of s***.
The following day, Richards stated that Phypers entered her townhouse with his father and continued the verbal assault, striking the bill of her hat with the back of his hand. Later that day, he allegedly chased her, grabbed her arms forcefully, pushed her, and dragged her to the ground, causing her to land on stairs and experience immense pain. During this incident, Phypers reportedly stole her laptop and shared private messages. Richards also claimed Phypers threatened that she would disappear
if she contacted the police.
Richards included photographs from a 2023 red carpet event, suggesting they showed marks she claims were left by Phypers, an alumnus of USC.
Divorce Proceedings and Financial Demands
Phypers, who reportedly has no income, filed for divorce from Richards on July 7, following six years of marriage. He is seeking approximately $105,000 per month in spousal support.
The couple began dating in December 2017, shortly before Phypers‘ divorce from actress Nicollette Sheridan was finalized in 2018. Richards has two daughters, Sami Sheen, 21, and Lola Sheen, 20, from her marriage to Charlie Sheen. She also adopted her daughter Eloise Joni Richards, 14, in 2011.
Richards is seeking reimbursement for her legal expenses and costs associated with the alleged abuse. She has also requested that Phypers complete a 52-week batterer intervention program.
A temporary restraining order is in effect, requiring Phypers to stay at least 100 yards away from Richards, her home, vehicle, and workplace until their court date on August 8 in the Superior Court of California.
On the career front, Richards is set to star as Emily Sims in the teen horror film What She Doesn’t Know, which will premiere at FrightFest London on August 22.
