Denise Richards’ estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, was arrested outside a Los Angeles courthouse on October 17, 2025, on a felony warrant related to spousal abuse charges during their ongoing divorce and restraining order proceedings.
The arrest happened during a break in a court hearing where Richards sought to convert a temporary restraining order against Phypers into a permanent one amid allegations of physical and emotional abuse throughout their six-year marriage. Denise testified that Phypers caused her at least three concussions, choking and slamming her head, and threatened her safety.
Phypers faces charges including two counts of injuring a spouse and two counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat, with incidents alleged to have occurred in 2022.
He denies all allegations, calling them false and weaponized to damage his reputation, while suggesting Richards “bruises easily.” The case has involved testimonies from relatives on both sides, with Phypers’ cousin accusing him of abuse, which he denies.