Denise Richards, known for her roles in Hollywood and as a star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, recently opened up about her harrowing experience with estranged husband Aaron Phypers during a highly emotional court testimony.
Richards, who was granted a temporary restraining order against Phypers on July 17, broke down on the stand as she recounted the “manic” behavior and alleged abuse she endured throughout their relationship. Her statements revealed a stark contrast between her past marriage to Charlie Sheen and her turbulent life with Phypers.
In a powerful video message presented in court, Richards confronted Phypers directly:
“You were the last person I thought would do that to me. I don’t know why I’m having a hard time with this. Things were bad with Charlie and I, but he never hit below the belt.”
She expressed deep heartbreak and disbelief over the breakdown of their marriage:
“I told my dad, I just don’t know why I believed you and I loved you and I really thought you were my soulmate. I never in a million years thought we were getting divorced.”
Richards also denied allegations of infidelity while accusing Phypers of cheating. She said,
“You can claim I cheated, but I didn’t. You did do stuff. And I don’t care how long ago it was. The fights were so f—ing bad, especially after your family moved [into their shared home]. I tried my best to not have it be as bad as it was. I tried my hardest. I just could not do that s—show anymore.”
The reality TV star detailed the physical abuse she allegedly suffered, calling out Phypers for what she described as escalating violence:
“Aside from hitting me as much as you did and filing a police report … claiming that I hit you in the chest three times and scratched your eye. Like come on. Low blow. And I get you’re upset that I filed the restraining order, but you hit me one too many f—ing times. Each time was getting worse and worse it was. You were manic.”
She expressed profound betrayal, saying,
“You were the one person that I always thought I could trust and that would protect me, and you were the f—ing opposite. I think I’m having such a hard time because I was married to someone I never f—ing knew.”
Richards also revealed her disappointment in Phypers and his family’s lack of support during their separation:
“The last six months when you didn’t stand up for me, I was like ‘OK.’ You filed, I didn’t. I told your mom, but they don’t even give a s—. They’re still [living in our home]. Of course, they are. Anyway, you f—ing hurt my heart.”
Reflecting on their marriage and the man she thought she knew, she said,
“One day you’re going to look back and say, ‘Yeah, she was a Bond girl. I was married to her, and she supported my business and everything else.’ In your heart you know, or maybe you won’t. Maybe you’re too much of a narcissist.”
Richards compared her experience with Phypers to her previous marriage with Charlie Sheen:
“I don’t know you, maybe that’s why I’m having such a hard time. Charlie – I knew. Every other ex – I knew. That’s what’s been really hard. I don’t even know who the f— you are.”
Phypers filed for divorce on July 7, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking spousal support from Richards. This court drama highlights the painful and complex reality behind the headlines in the life of the Real Housewives star.
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