Aaron Phypers, the estranged husband of actress Denise Richards, has been accused of threatening his cousin to prevent her from testifying about alleged domestic abuse, leading to his recent arrest on felony charges. This development intensifies the legal strife in their ongoing divorce and highlights serious allegations of violence and witness intimidation.
Prosecutors filed a criminal complaint on October 15, 2025, charging Phypers with two counts of injuring a spouse and two counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat. The charges stem from an incident on January 17, 2022, where Phypers allegedly warned his cousin, Kathleen McAllister, not to speak out about abuse he inflicted on Richards, using implied threats of force and violence. This legal action underscores the gravity of the accusations and the potential consequences for Phypers, including possible prison time.
In her restraining order request filed in July 2025, Richards described the January 2022 event at Phypers’ holistic wellness center in Malibu, California. She claimed he became paranoid about listening devices in potted plants, escalated into a rage, and struck her in the eye with the heel of his palm, causing a black eye. Richards alleged that Phypers then insisted she blame the injury on equipment stored on the balcony, a false account she refused to perpetuate, revealing the manipulative dynamics at play.
McAllister, who worked at the center from 2017 to 2022, witnessed the assault and testified about it on October 6, 2025, during a hearing to make Richards’ temporary restraining order permanent. She recalled the immediate aftermath, stating, ‘I saw Aaron hit Denise and immediately she had a really bad black eye,’ and described the evening as chaotic, with alcohol exacerbating the situation. Her testimony provided crucial corroboration of Richards’ claims, painting a picture of an abusive environment.
Beyond the January incident, McAllister alleged a pattern of escalating abuse from January to May 2022, claiming Phypers threatened to kill both her and Richards if they disclosed the violence. Richards supported this in her own testimony, stating she suffered at least three concussions due to Phypers’ actions, including one where he slammed her against a concrete wall. These details suggest a sustained period of harm, raising concerns about the severity and frequency of the alleged abuse.
Phypers was arrested on October 17, 2025, after testifying in the restraining order case, and was taken into custody before posting a $200,000 bond for his release. The arrest came as a direct result of the criminal complaint, linking the civil and criminal aspects of the case. If convicted, he faces up to four years in prison, adding significant legal stakes to the already contentious divorce proceedings.
In response, Phypers has consistently denied all allegations, testifying in court that Richards bruises easily and he has no memory of her having a black eye. His lawyer, Michael Finley, called the accusations false and baseless, suggesting they are motivated by the divorce battle and expecting acquittal based on evidence yet to be presented. This denial sets the stage for a heated legal confrontation over the truth of the claims.
The case underscores the complexities of domestic violence allegations in high-profile relationships, with implications for how such issues are addressed in the public eye. As the restraining order hearing continues and criminal proceedings advance, the outcome will not only affect the individuals involved but also shed light on broader societal challenges in combating abuse and ensuring witness safety.