- Denise Richards’ estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, was dramatically arrested inside a courtroom on spousal abuse charges.
- The arrest occurred during a hearing for a restraining order Richards is seeking, where she has testified about severe physical and emotional abuse throughout their marriage.
- Richards accused Phypers of leaking her nude photos, causing her “shame” and difficulty for her daughters.
- Phypers denies the abuse allegations and is demanding spousal support and half of Richards’ substantial OnlyFans income.
Courtroom Chaos: Phypers Arrested
In a stunning turn of events, Denise Richards’ estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, was arrested and handcuffed inside a Los Angeles courtroom on Friday. Richards’ attorney confirmed to Fox News Digital that the arrest was for spousal abuse charges. Eyewitnesses reported that Phypers resisted and argued with sheriffs as they escorted him out of the courthouse, a dramatic escalation in the couple’s already contentious legal battle.
Richards’ Harrowing Testimony of Abuse
The arrest comes as Richards fights for a permanent restraining order against Phypers, whom she divorced in July. The actress has delivered emotional testimony, detailing a terrifying pattern of alleged abuse that she endured during their relationship.
Allegations of Extreme Violence
In court documents and testimony, Richards claimed Phypers subjected her to horrific violence. She alleged that he would “frequently violently choke me, violently squeeze my head with both hands, tightly squeeze my arms, violently slap me in my face and head.” She recounted terrifying moments where he allegedly threatened to “break my jaw” and “kill me,” stating he has caused her at least three concussions.
One particularly disturbing incident allegedly occurred just hours after Richards underwent a seven-hour cosmetic surgery. She testified that Phypers became “very volatile” and hit her in the face while she was recovering. “That is when I really, really knew that our marriage was over because there’s been physical abuse, but it kept getting worse and worse,” a tearful Richards told the court.
The Humiliation of Leaked Photos
Adding to the physical trauma, Richards testified that Phypers attempted to destroy her reputation by leaking her private, nude photographs to news outlets. “It’s been difficult for my daughters, especially with the naked photos,” she stated. “I’m so embarrassed and shameful as a mom. [My daughter] couldn’t go to church.”
When questioned by Richards’ attorney, Phypers admitted to taking pictures of her phone but claimed he didn’t think it was private because he believed she was “cheating on me.” He showed no remorse, stating that if roles were reversed, “If I put it out there, I put it out there.”
Phypers’ Defense and Financial Demands
Phypers has denied Richards’ allegations, calling them “false” and attempts to “damage my reputation.” Amid the abuse claims, he has made significant financial demands. Citing “irreconcilable differences” in his divorce filing, he is seeking spousal support. Furthermore, Phypers has petitioned for half of the income Richards earns from her OnlyFans page—which he estimates at $200,000 to $300,000 per month—claiming he took the photos and thus holds the intellectual property rights. He alleges Richards cut off his access to their finances, leaving him on the brink of eviction.