Aaron Phypers is escalating his bitter divorce battle with Denise Richards — and his latest comments are raising serious eyebrows.
While speaking with TMZ outside the Van Nuys courthouse in Los Angeles on Friday, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum’s estranged husband made a disturbing comparison involving Richards as questions swirled around her accusations of domestic violence.
When asked what he believes motivated Richards to accuse him of abuse back in July, Phypers cryptically responded, “What happened to Rob Reiner recently?”
The 53-year-old continued by implying substance abuse played a role, adding, “There’s a lot of influence there, guys. And I’m not calling stuff out, but do a drug test.”
He then doubled down, asking, “When people are on a bunch of substances and washing it down with other substances, what happens?”
Phypers’ remarks referenced the tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, who were found stabbed to death over the weekend in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home. Their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested last Sunday and formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
According to reports, the 32-year-old has struggled with drug addiction for years and was reportedly diagnosed with schizophrenia prior to his parents’ deaths. TMZ reported that Nick’s medication allegedly left him “out of his head” and acting “erratic and dangerous.”
As for Phypers’ own legal troubles, the businessman waived his right to an arraignment hearing on Friday in his felony domestic violence case, pushing it to Monday instead.
Phypers was arrested in court in October, three months after Richards accused him of “frequent” and “violent” abuse. He later posted $200,000 bail and was released within hours.
Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers’ history has played out publicly over the years, particularly during her time on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The two married in 2018 following a whirlwind romance, with Phypers frequently appearing alongside Richards on the show.
Throughout their relationship, Richards previously defended Phypers against allegations made by his ex-wife, Nicollette Sheridan, who accused him of abusive behavior — claims he denied. At the time, Richards stood by him and dismissed concerns raised by others.
However, following Richards’ exit from the Bravo series, reports suggested the couple’s marriage became increasingly strained. That tension appeared to come to a head in July, when Richards accused Phypers of domestic violence, alleging a pattern of physical abuse that ultimately led to his arrest.
Now, as their divorce battle continues to play out in court, Phypers’ shocking public remarks and ongoing legal issues have only intensified scrutiny around the former couple and their highly public split.