The bitter fallout between actor Aaron Phypers and his estranged wife, actress Denise Richards, has taken a dramatic turn as Phypers speaks out publicly, denying her recent accusations of abuse and instead alleging serious issues of addiction, infidelity, and endangerment within their marriage.
In a private letter reportedly obtained by US Weekly, Phypers shared with close friends and family what he claims are long-standing personal struggles Richards has been facing—issues he says have affected not only their relationship but also their daughter, Eloise.
According to Phypers, Richards has allegedly battled a dependency on Vicodin for nearly a decade, a drug she has jokingly referred to as “Vitamin D” or “white chestnuts.” He added that the problem stretches back over 20 years and has been compounded by the use of Adderall and alcohol.
“She’s no longer eating real meals, and I’ve witnessed her pass out from substances, putting herself and others in danger, including while driving with our daughter,” he wrote in the letter. Phypers also claims to have discovered an ongoing affair earlier this year. “She begged me not to leave, saying it was nothing and that she only loved me,” he said, adding that when confronted with explicit messages, Richards denied any wrongdoing.
“Despite her promise to stop, more lies and shocking evidence emerged,” he added. The most explosive point of contention remains what transpired on July 4, the day Richards filed for divorce and accused Phypers of abuse. Phypers flatly denies those allegations and asserts that he was, in fact, the victim.
“After searching for over 20 hours and being physically attacked when I asked for it back, I eventually found [my phone] smashed inside a trash bag, hidden beneath rotting garbage and litter,” he claimed. “That same night, she texted me saying she was filing for divorce.” Since the separation, Phypers says both he and his elderly parents have been mistreated.
He alleges being stalked using an AirTag, denied access to personal items, and says his parents were “frightened and mistreated” for supporting him and helping care for Richards’ animals and household. “This isn’t just a relationship breaking down. It’s a cry for help,” Phypers wrote, urging people close to them to pray for Richards.
Addressing her previous claims of abuse, he concluded, “I have never, ever physically harmed my wife, and I did not give her a black eye. I have only ever stepped in to protect her or others, including separating her from physically attacking her daughter, always coming from a place of care and concern.” The emotional and legal battle between the couple continues, with each side presenting starkly different versions of events.