Aaron Phypers is strongly denying allegations of abuse made by his estranged wife, actress Denise Richards, telling the court he never physically harmed her at any point during their marriage.
Phypers, 53, took the stand on October 8 to address Richards’ claims, which span several years of their six-year relationship. Richards, 54, has accused him of physical and verbal abuse, including an alleged 2022 incident that left her with a black eye.
When questioned about that specific accusation, Phypers was firm. “Absolutely not,” he said when asked if he hit her. He testified that Richards herself told him she “ran into a pole” after having drinks, insisting he never struck her.
Earlier in the case, Phypers’ cousin, Dr. Kathleen McAllister, testified that she once saw him hit Richards at his Malibu wellness center. Phypers dismissed that account, explaining that Richards frequently used the space “several days a week” for personal work and Zoom calls before it eventually closed.
Phypers went on to reject multiple other claims, including accusations that he grabbed Richards by the hair, choked her, or slammed her head. “No, I did not,” he told the court.
Addressing statements from Richards’ petition for a restraining order, Phypers denied making any threats. “No. Absolutely not,” he said when asked if he ever threatened to break her legs, and “No. Never,” when asked if he threatened to kill her.
He also denied testimony from Richards’ makeup artist, Pamela Brogardi, who claimed to have overheard threats. Phypers said he never used the derogatory names Richards accused him of using. “I never called her that. It’s not true,” he said when asked about allegedly calling her a “wh*re.” He added, “I’ve never called her a bitch … I’ve called her a liar, yes, but a bitch no.”
Richards has also alleged that Phypers once knocked her hat off during an argument, stole her laptop, and woke her in the middle of the night to confront her over messages with another man. Phypers admitted he took photos of messages he found on her device, calling them “very hurtful and shocking,” but maintained he never yelled or berated her.
He further denied causing any concussions, hitting Richards after her surgery, or possessing firearms. Phypers explained that the “bulletproof vests” she mentioned were actually weighted exercise vests.
“I never threatened my life or hers,” he said firmly. The judge has not yet ruled on whether Denise Richards will be granted a permanent restraining order.