Aaron Phypers Arrested Mid-Hearing as Denise Richards’ Abuse Allegations Spark Felony Charges

In a shocking courtroom turn, actor Aaron Phypers, 53, was taken into custody during a court hearing involving his ex-wife, actress Denise Richards. The arrest, which unfolded on Friday, October 17, in Los Angeles, occurred amid their ongoing legal dispute over domestic violence allegations and a restraining order request.

According to court records, Phypers was arrested on a felony warrant issued two days prior by the State of California. He faces four serious criminal charges — two counts of injuring a spouse or cohabitant and two counts of dissuading a witness through force or threat. Authorities executed the warrant during a break in the couple’s heated restraining order hearing, leaving the courtroom stunned.

Phypers’ attorney, Michael Finley, told PEOPLE that the charges mirror claims already being fought in their domestic violence case. “It appears to be the same allegations we’re already proving false,” Finley said. He emphasized confidence in Phypers’ innocence, asserting that “criminal cases get filed all the time, and they get beaten.”

Following the arrest, the presiding judge extended Richards’ temporary restraining order until November 7, ensuring continued legal protection while the criminal case proceeds. Phypers was booked into the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station in Malibu shortly after 5 p.m. and is currently being held on $200,000 bail.

The Charges and Timeline

An eight-page criminal complaint filed on October 16 at the Van Nuys Courthouse outlines the charges against Phypers. The document cites incidents from January 17, 2022, and May 3, 2022, forming the basis for the state’s case.

Richards, 54, has accused her former husband of physical abuse throughout their marriage. During recent testimony, she claimed that Phypers caused her three concussions, which were later detected through diagnostic equipment at his wellness center in Malibu. Richards testified that she frequently suffered headaches, dizziness, and nausea but did not realize the extent of her injuries until Phypers allegedly scanned her himself.

She described one particularly violent incident that took place at Phypers’ facility, alleging that he “slammed me up against a concrete wall and my head hit it,” leaving her with a black eye. Another altercation reportedly occurred in a Chicago hotel in April 2025, when she claimed Phypers “squeezed my head so hard it felt like he was crushing my skull.”

The actress also alleged that Phypers repeatedly threatened her life, saying he would throw her through windows or off balconies during arguments. Tearfully, she told the court, “He’s almost killed me so many damn times.”

Phypers’ Response and Legal Defense

Aaron Phypers has categorically denied all allegations. While testifying earlier this month, he stated, “I never physically harmed Denise Richards. I never threatened to harm her or kill anybody.” His legal team insists that the charges are baseless and will not withstand scrutiny.

Attorney Finley reiterated that the criminal complaint lacks the full evidentiary context and that they remain confident of victory. “When a criminal case is filed, the evidence has not been fully laid out and considered,” he said. “We believe this will all come to light, and Aaron will be vindicated.”

A Marriage Under Public Scrutiny

Phypers and Richards’ relationship has long been a fixture of public fascination. The couple began dating in 2017 and married the following year in a small Malibu ceremony. At the time, they appeared to be one of Hollywood’s more grounded couples — Richards, a working actress and mother of three, and Phypers, a wellness entrepreneur with a calm, spiritual persona.

However, behind closed doors, Richards claims their marriage was plagued by escalating tension and violence. Her testimony and filings depict a relationship marked by fear, manipulation, and control — claims Phypers insists are false.

The pair’s split became official when Phypers filed for divorce in July 2025, ending a six-year marriage that has since devolved into a highly publicized legal battle.

What’s Next in the Case

With both the criminal charges and restraining order proceedings now running simultaneously, the stakes for both parties are higher than ever. Phypers could face years in prison if convicted, while Richards continues to press for long-term protection orders.

Legal analysts note that the arrest, occurring mid-hearing, underscores how seriously prosecutors view the allegations. Yet, as Finley pointed out, “just because a case is filed doesn’t mean it’s going to succeed.”

For now, Phypers remains in custody pending his bail release, while Richards focuses on her testimony and recovery from what she describes as years of emotional and physical trauma. Both are expected back in court in early November for further hearings that could shape the trajectory of the case — and their lives — for years to come.

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