The ongoing separation of Aaron Phypers and Denise Richards has taken a dramatic turn. Phypers has sent out a direct appeal to his estranged wife’s inner circle, asking them to step in. He believes Denise needs immediate help.
“This is the hardest letter I’ve ever had to write,” Phypers stated in his message. He sent it to the couple’s “family and close friends” through text and email around 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 20. Phypers added that he had only just gotten his phone contacts back after not having a cell phone since July 4. A source close to the couple told Us Weekly that this is “a desperate cry for help for a loved one.” They noted that “everything is about Denise now.”
Phypers explained his reasons for reaching out. “I’m not writing today out of anger, but from pain,” his letter continued. “I am a man, a husband, a son, a brother, and a father. I have spent years loving, supporting, and protecting my family.” He made it clear he still loves his wife very much.
However, Phypers addressed the serious accusations Denise made against him. He called them “not only false, but heartbreaking.” He strongly denied ever hurting Denise physically or giving her a black eye. Phypers claimed he only stepped in to protect her or others. This included, he said, stopping her from physically attacking their daughter. He insisted his actions were always driven by care and concern.
These statements come after Phypers filed for divorce on July 7. Following this, Richards filed court documents with her own severe claims. She alleged that Phypers was physically and verbally abusive during their relationship. Richards claimed he often “violently strangled” her. She said he would “tightly squeeze my head with both hands” and “violently slap my face and head.” Other accusations included hitting her head against a bathroom towel rack, threatening to kill her, and holding his knee on her back until she begged him to move. Richards also stated he hacked her laptop and phone to download her text messages. She claimed Phypers regularly threatened to “break my jaw” but would then cry, ask her to stay, and promise to get help. However, she said nothing ever changed.
Aaron Phypers and Denise Richards Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
Phypers’ letter also claimed that the negative effects of the split have gone “beyond me.” He stated that his elderly parents, aged 83 and 84, and his brother are now being “publicly attacked and shamed.” He pointed out that his family had cared for their daughter, Eloise, and Denise’s animals without pay for more than three years. He added that they live in tough conditions, without hot water, gas, or air conditioning in heat above 38 degrees Celsius, and no money for basic supplies. Still, he said, they continue to serve with “love and loyalty.”
In a further twist, Phypers accused Richards of being in an “ongoing love affair.” He claimed he confronted her about this supposed relationship earlier this year. “She begged me not to leave,” he wrote, “saying it was nothing and that she only loved me.” He stated she then denied everything, even explicit messages he found. Phypers claimed that despite her promise to stop, more lies and “shocking evidence” surfaced.
Phypers argued that the problems between them are not just a “relationship breakup.” He called it a “cry for help.” “I say this with love, not judgment: Denise needs intervention,” he wrote. He stated that some people know this has been an issue for over 20 years. He claimed she “no longer eats real meals” and that he has seen her “pass out from substance use.” He alleged this put her and others in danger, even when driving with their daughter.
Phypers maintained in the letter that he never wanted its contents to become public. However, he also claimed the “damage is no longer limited to our home.” He wrote, “This is hurting everyone who loves her, supports her, and still believes the best in her.”
He ended his message with a plea. “I ask each of you—from love and truth—to pray for Denise,” he wrote. He asked for prayers for healing, clarity, and for her to get the help she needs. He also asked for protection for his family, especially his elderly parents, from “false stories.” Phypers concluded by saying he remains open to getting back together, healing, and finding the truth. But, he stated, he “cannot stay silent” while those he loves are hurt publicly and privately, and the truth is hidden.
Representatives for Phypers were contacted for comment. Representatives for Richards did not respond to requests for comment. The letter was first reported by Page Six, while Us Weekly confirmed Phypers sent it and also obtained Richards’ court documents detailing her allegations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of domestic violence, confidential support is available by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know is facing a crisis or struggling, help is available.