Denise Richards’ estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, is facing new legal trouble connected to disturbing allegations of domestic violence.
According to court documents, Los Angeles prosecutors filed four felony charges against Phypers, 53, including two counts of injuring a spouse and two counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat. He was taken into custody on October 17 following the filing.
One of the witness-related charges involves Phypers’ cousin, Kathleen McAllister, who worked with him at his now-closed wellness center in Malibu. Prosecutors allege Phypers used threats and violence against McAllister and Richards during an incident on January 17, 2022.
“I saw Aaron hit Denise and immediately she had a really bad black eye,” she testified in court earlier this month. “I’m literally in shock now to this day about it.”
In her restraining order petition, Richards described Phypers becoming paranoid that plants in the wellness center contained listening devices, allegedly yelling before striking her in the eye. She claimed he later pressured her to lie about the injury.
Richards also testified that Phypers caused her to suffer multiple concussions and a black eye during separate altercations in 2022, accusations he has denied.
The actress obtained a temporary restraining order in July, shortly after Phypers filed for divorce. She is seeking to make the order permanent. Phypers denies the allegations.
“I have not abused her and will not abuse her,” he has stated.