What did Aaron Phypers say? Denise Richards estranged husband claims sending letter to family pleading for help

After six years of marriage, Aaron Phypers officially moved to end his relationship with Denise Richards by filing for divorce in Los Angeles on July 7. Legal documents listed “irreconcilable differences” as the reason behind the separation. Soon after the filing, Us Weekly revealed that Phypers had sent a letter to those close to Denise Richards, appealing for their support and intervention on her behalf. The contents of the letter suggested he believed Richards was in crisis.

“This is the hardest letter I’ve ever had to write. I just [got] some of my contacts back, after being without my cell phone since the 4th of July,” part of the message read.

“I’m reaching out today not in anger, but in heartbreak — as a man, a husband, a son, a brother, and a father who has spent years loving, supporting, and protecting his family, I love my wife more than words can ever fully express. That has never changed. But the recent public accusations made against me are not only false — they are devastating." he added

Aaron doube dounded on his claim, that he did not harm Denise Richards, saying

"I have never, ever physically harmed my wife, and I did not give her a black eye. I have only ever stepped in to protect her or others — including separating her from physically attacking our daughter — always coming from a place of care and concern.”

Denise Richards alleges years of physical and emotional abuse by Aaron Phypers:

Denise Richards secured a temporary domestic violence restraining order against Aaron Phypers, amid accusations of sustained physical and verbal abuse. In the filing, shared with Us Weekly, the actress alleged a disturbing pattern of violent behavior throughout their relationship. She claimed that Phypers threatened her life, and at times, his own, if she ever involved the police.

“Throughout our relationship, Aaron would frequently violently choke me, violently squeeze my head with both hands, tightly squeeze my arms, violently slap me in my face and head, aggressively slam my head into the bathroom towel rack, threaten to kill me, hold me down with his knee on my back to the point where I would have to plead with him to get off me so that he would not kill me and hack into my laptop and phone and download all of my text messages,” Richards stated.

She also claimed that the cycle of abuse often included emotional manipulation:

“Aaron regularly threatened to ‘break my jaw’ and would cry, beg me to stay, and promise to get help — none of which ever happened.”

Aaron Phypers letter: Denise Richards accused of having an affair and substance struggles

In the same letter where Aaron Phypers denied Denise Richards’ domestic violence claims, he also addressed what he described as the far-reaching impact of the allegations, not just on himself, but on his immediate family.

“My elderly parents (ages 83 and 84), and my brother — who have devoted themselves to caring for our daughter Eloise and Denise’s animals and supporting our family without pay for over three years — are now being targeted and publicly shamed, they live in unbearable conditions: no hot water, no gas, no air conditioning in 100+ degree heat, and no financial support to buy basic supplies. Yet they continue to serve with love and loyalty.” Phypers wrote.

In the letter, obtained by Us Weekly, Phypers also accused Denise Richards of being unfaithful during their marriage. He claimed to have confronted her about an alleged affair earlier in the year.

“She begged me not to leave, saying it was nothing and that she only loved me,” he wrote.

“Then, she denied it all – even the explicit messages I found. Despite her promise to stop, more lies and shocking evidence emerged.” he added.

Phypers framed the situation as deeper than a marital breakdown, calling it a “cry for help.” He alleged substance use on Richards’ part and expressed concern for their daughter’s safety.

“I say this with love, not judgment: Denise needs intervention, some of you know this has been an issue for over 20 years. She’s no longer eating real meals, and I’ve witnessed her pass out from substances — putting herself and others in danger, including while driving with our daughter.” he claimed.

While Phypers said he never intended for the letter to become public, he insisted the circumstances had spiraled too far.

“The damage is no longer just within our home,” he wrote.