Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence allegations.
If like me, a fan of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, you vividly remember the moment when Denise Richards’ husband told her he would “crush her f*cking hand.” I gasped aloud when I watched that scene, and it’s still shocking five years on.
Now that they’re in divorce court, Denise hopes to make her temporary restraining order against Aaron Phypers permanent. She reportedly has a long list of evidence of Aaron’s abuse, which she plans to present in court on September 8.
Though the Drop Dead Gorgeous actress claims her husband was physically abusive during their marriage, he vehemently denies it. Not only does he claim he never touched her, but he’s accusing Denise of assaulting him.
Denise Richards is submitting a list of evidence to support long-term protection
But one thing he can’t deny is the footage millions of people saw on RHOBH. In 2020, as Denise and Aaron left Kyle Richards’ (no relation) hand-in-hand, the holistic healer clearly threatened his wife. Denise reminded him, “Baby, don’t say a f*cking word. We’re on camera.”
Her husband then responded, “Don’t tell me what to say. I’m going to crush your f*cking hand. Stop it.”
But after realizing that cameras had caught his aggressive statement, Denise played the scene back for him. “I don’t even remember saying that,” he told his wife. “I don’t know why I would say that, because I’m afraid of you.” Um, okay.
According to Us Weekly, Denise also has photos and texts to back up her estranged husband’s abuse. Her evidence includes a photo from March 2020, of a bruise she got when Aaron “pulled her off a chair by her legs.” In another photo from June 2023, the former Bond Girl has bruises on her arm that she claims Aaron caused.
Among the texts submitted into evidence is allegedly a message Denise sent to her mother-in-law in January 2023 regarding Aaron’s abuse. In fact, Denise is requesting Aaron’s mother be called to testify in court about her son’s behavior.
In another message, Denise allegedly told a friend about Aaron threatening to drive off a cliff. Another text from a friend also mentions Aaron’s guns and him “threatening himself.” A further alleged message is from her husband on June 13, 2025, admitting that he had “caused a problem to her implant.”
Ironically, Aaron was the first to file for divorce on July 7, following seven years of marriage. He is requesting spousal support.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is now streaming on Peacock. The show streams on Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT AARON’S ASKING FOR SPOUSAL SUPPORT? DO YOU THINK HE HAS A CASE?
