Denise Richards’ Divorce From Aaron Phypers Spirals Into Legal and Personal Turmoil; Celebrity Witnesses, Scandalous Claims
LOS ANGELES, CA – The divorce battle between actress Denise Richards and her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, has erupted into one of Hollywood’s most contentious splits of 2025, complete with accusations of abuse, infidelity, financial distress, and public drama involving high-profile witnesses.
Richards, 53, filed for divorce earlier this year, citing “irreconcilable differences” after nearly seven years of marriage. The relationship reportedly began to deteriorate months before their official separation on July 4, 2025. What began as a quiet split has since escalated into a public feud as both sides file competing claims in court.
Domestic Violence Allegations and Restraining Order
Richards was granted a temporary restraining order against Phypers in August after alleging a series of violent incidents that included strangulation, threats, and physical assault. According to her filing, she feared for her safety and the well-being of her children. She also accused Phypers of secretly monitoring her electronic communications and violating her privacy.
Phypers has denied all accusations, calling them fabrications designed to gain sympathy and legal advantage. In his own filings, he alleges that Richards was the abusive partner, claiming she damaged his phone, harassed him, and interfered with his work and income.
Financial Disputes and Support Demands
At the center of the divorce is money – and lots of it. Phypers claims he is broke following the closure of his holistic wellness center, Quantum 360, in 2024. He has asked the court to award him $150,000 from joint accounts to cover immediate living expenses, claiming he faces possible eviction and homelessness.
Richards’ income, by contrast, has surged in recent years. Court filings suggest she earns over $250,000 per month through OnlyFans, endorsements, and television work. Phypers is seeking spousal support and a share of the couple’s remaining assets, arguing he helped manage her career ventures during their marriage.
Celebrity Witnesses and Scandalous Claims
In a surprising twist, Phypers’ legal team has indicated plans to call Charlie Sheen – Richards’ ex-husband – and Brandi Glanville, her former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills castmate, as witnesses. Both are expected to testify about Richards’ character and prior relationships.
Phypers also accused Richards of infidelity, alleging that he found explicit messages on her laptop. She has not publicly addressed those claims, instead focusing on her request for continued protection and custody arrangements involving her daughters.
Dogs, Drama, and a “Filthy” House
Beyond the legal filings, the divorce has produced scenes straight from a reality show. TMZ reported that Richards recently returned to the couple’s rental home to retrieve 15 dogs and personal belongings after obtaining court permission for an eight-hour window. The property was described as “filthy” and abandoned, adding another layer of spectacle to an already chaotic situation.
A Familiar Battle for Denise Richards
This marks Richards’ second highly publicized divorce, following her 2006 split from Charlie Sheen, which also involved accusations of threats and abuse. While she has since built a reputation as a protective mother and reality TV figure, the current case paints a more complicated picture of a once-private relationship unraveling in the public eye.
As hearings continue in Los Angeles Superior Court, both Richards and Phypers remain under judicial order to refrain from direct contact. Additional filings and hearings are expected in the coming weeks, with each side seeking control over finances, property, and public narrative.
Timeline of Events & Allegations
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Relationship begins | Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers meet and begin dating after his split from Nicollette Sheridan. |
| Sept. 2018 | Marriage | The couple weds in a small ceremony in Malibu. |
| 2019–2023 | Reality TV spotlight | Richards features Phypers on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, portraying their spiritual lifestyle and wellness ventures. |
| 2024 | Business struggles | Phypers’ wellness company, Quantum 360, shutters amid financial strain. |
| July 4, 2025 | Separation | Phypers lists this as the official date of separation in court filings. |
| July 2025 | Divorce filed | Phypers files for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. |
| Aug. 2025 | Abuse allegations surface | Richards files for a restraining order, claiming repeated violence and threats. Temporary protection granted. |
| Sept. 2025 | Phypers responds | He denies all abuse allegations and counters with claims of harassment and property damage. |
| Sept. 2025 | Celebrity witnesses listed | Phypers’ legal team announces plans to call Charlie Sheen and Brandi Glanville. |
| Sept. 2025 | House incident | Richards returns to marital home with court approval to retrieve belongings and rescue 15 dogs from unsanitary conditions. |
| Oct. 2025 | Financial crisis filing | Phypers requests $150,000 from joint assets to avoid eviction, claiming financial ruin. |
| Ongoing | Court proceedings | Both sides continue filing motions involving finances, restraining orders, and witness testimony. |
Q&A – Denise Richards’ Divorce From Aaron Phypers
What triggered the divorce?
Reports indicate long-standing conflicts over money, trust, and alleged domestic violence that escalated throughout 2025.
Is Aaron Phypers facing criminal charges?
As of early October 2025, there are no criminal charges publicly filed, though the court granted a civil restraining order to Denise Richards.
Why are Charlie Sheen and Brandi Glanville involved?
Both have been listed by Phypers’ legal team as potential witnesses to provide testimony on Richards’ behavior and prior relationships.
What’s next in the case?
A full hearing on the restraining order and financial claims is expected later this fall, determining spousal support and asset division.
