Emotional Courtroom Testimony Reveals Alleged Abuse
Denise Richards, known for her roles in film and reality television, delivered a deeply emotional testimony in a Los Angeles courtroom on October 6 and 7. She recounted harrowing incidents of alleged physical abuse by her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, as part of her effort to secure a permanent restraining order. Richards broke down in tears, claiming, 'He's almost killed me so many damn times,' detailing a pattern of violence that she said left her fearing for her life throughout their relationship.
Richards specifically alleged that Phypers caused her 'at least three concussions' during their marriage, describing one incident where she felt like he was 'crushing my skull.' She further testified that Phypers 'smashed me on the top of my head' while screaming, 'Give me your f------ phone,' during a violent altercation. These claims paint a stark picture of the alleged abuse that prompted her to seek legal protection after their separation.
Details of Restraining Order and Divorce Proceedings
The court granted Richards a temporary restraining order against Phypers in July, following accusations of domestic violence and verbal abuse that she said spanned their entire marriage. According to court documents, Richards provided evidence, including photos of a black eye she allegedly sustained from Phypers. This legal action came shortly after Phypers filed for divorce, escalating the tension between the former couple.
During the recent hearings, Richards also claimed Phypers assaulted her while she was recovering from plastic surgery, adding to the list of incidents she described. Additionally, her makeup artist testified about alleged threats made by Phypers toward Richards, corroborating her accounts of his behavior. The judge overseeing the case expressed frustration with both parties' lawyers during the tense hearing on October 7, questioning the direction of the proceedings with a pointed remark, 'What are we doing here?'
Richards also made comparisons to her past marriage with actor Charlie Sheen, stating in court that living with Phypers, whom she described as a 'narcissist,' was more challenging than her tumultuous relationship with Sheen. This testimony underscores the severity of the alleged abuse she endured with Phypers.
Ongoing Legal Battle and Public Reaction
As the legal battle continues, Richards is pushing for the temporary restraining order to become permanent, citing ongoing fear for her safety. Phypers has repeatedly denied all allegations of abuse, and earlier reports indicate he has accused Richards of addiction and infidelity in response to her claims. These counter-allegations have added another layer of complexity to the high-profile divorce and restraining order case.
Public sentiment, as seen in posts on X, shows significant concern for Richards, with many expressing heartbreak over the detailed allegations of domestic violence. The case has drawn widespread attention due to Richards' public persona as a star of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' and her past high-profile relationships. As the court deliberates on the permanence of the restraining order, the outcome of this case will likely have lasting implications for both parties involved.