Cousin Testifies in Denise Richards Restraining-Order Hearing

Denise Richards is seeking to make a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, permanent; the temporary order was granted in July after Phypers filed for divorce on July 7. On Oct. 6 in Los Angeles court, Kathleen McAllister — Phypers’ cousin and former employee at his Malibu wellness center — testified virtually that she saw Phypers strike Richards on Jan. 17, 2022, leaving a black eye. McAllister also described multiple alleged incidents, including a parking‑lot choking she said caused Richards a concussion, a bathroom episode during which Richards hid and texted for help, and a period of escalating abuse fueled by alcohol and accusations of listening devices. McAllister testified Phypers repeatedly threatened to kill Richards and warned others not to report the behavior, and Richards testified tearfully that Phypers frequently choked, slapped and threatened to throw her from windows or balconies, saying she feared for her life. Phypers has denied the allegations as "completely false and deeply hurtful."