Kathleen McAllister, cousin of Aaron Phypers, has come forward to back Denise Richards in her accusations of abuse.
During a virtual court hearing on Monday, October 6, centered around Richards’ plea to make a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband permanent, McAllister testified that she witnessed Phypers assault Richards back in January 2022 while working at Phypers’ wellness center in Malibu. According to a report by People, she claimed, “I saw Aaron hit Denise, and immediately she had a really bad black eye. I’m literally in shock now to this day about it.”
McAllister elaborated that Phypers struck Richards with an open hand, describing Richards as being in a state of shock herself. “I was in shock,” she remarked.
McAllister stated that Phypers, 53, had accused Richards, 54, of placing “listening devices” in his office, contributing to a chaotic evening filled with escalating arguments intensified by alcohol.
In court on Monday, both Richards and Phypers were present amidst their contentious legal disputes. Following six years of marriage, Phypers filed for divorce on July 7, seeking spousal support from Richards. In turn, Richards requested a temporary restraining order, alleging that “Aaron would often violently choke me, tightly squeeze my head, and hit me in the face and head.” The court approved her request.
On Monday, McAllister discussed another incident that occurred in Phypers’ office in March 2021, noting that Richards had “hid in the bathroom” out of fear from her husband.
“Aaron was terrorizing her, and she was looking for support,” McAllister explained, adding that Richards was texting from the bathroom during that time.
McAllister marked the beginning of 2022 as a time filled with “mounting abuse,” filled with yelling and arguments. She alleged to have overheard Phypers threatening to take Richards’ life “several times,” expressing her fear for both of their safety.
“We both were afraid,” she stated, adding, “He threatened to kill us.”
McAllister alleged that Phypers would rage and make threats, insisting that if they disclosed the abuse, he would kill them. “As the years of abuse progressed, he took advantage of our compassion,” she noted.
Us Weekly has reached out to Phypers for a statement.
Phypers has denied the allegations of abuse, previously telling Us, “These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful.”
Phypers further claimed, “Denise and I, like many couples, have had our challenges, but any accusations of abuse are absolutely unfounded. I have always approached our marriage with love, patience, and respect. I request privacy as we handle these personal issues and hope the public and media will not propagate harmful and inaccurate narratives.”
The legal proceedings between the former couple will continue through Wednesday, October 8.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
