Denise Richards Emotional in Court as She Details Alleged Abuse by Ex

Actress Denise Richards broke down in tears Tuesday during a dramatic court appearance, where she gave harrowing testimony about the alleged abuse she endured at the hands of her ex-husband.

The 54-year-old star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and numerous film and television projects took the witness stand in Los Angeles County Superior Court as part of an ongoing custody and restraining order battle. Richards is seeking extended legal protections and sole custody of the youngest of her three daughters, citing a “consistent pattern of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse.”

A Painful Testimony

Wearing a black suit and visibly shaken, Richards described multiple incidents spanning several years during which she claims her ex-partner, whose identity is being withheld pending legal proceedings, subjected her to verbal threats, physical intimidation, and emotional manipulation.

“There were days I feared for my life,” Richards told the court, her voice breaking. “He would scream, throw things, punch walls. I had to hide in the bathroom with my daughter more than once just to feel safe.”

She recounted a particularly disturbing incident from 2022, in which she alleges her ex grabbed her by the arm during a heated argument, leaving visible bruises. Photos of the injury were submitted as evidence.

Support in the Courtroom

Richards was accompanied in court by her current husband, Aaron Phypers, as well as close friends and family members who offered quiet support during her emotional testimony. Throughout her statement, the actress wiped away tears but remained composed as she described the toll the relationship had taken on her mental health and that of her children.

“He tried to isolate me from my loved ones, control where I went, who I spoke to,” she said. “It wasn’t just about me—it affected my girls. No child should have to grow up witnessing that.”

Response From the Defense

The ex-husband’s legal team has strongly denied all allegations, calling Richards’ testimony “sensationalized” and “part of a strategic attempt to alienate their client from his daughter.”

“We categorically deny these claims,” said attorney Mark Halperin outside the courthouse. “Our client has always maintained a safe and loving environment when caring for his child. We believe the truth will come out as the case proceeds.”

A Call for Change

Following the hearing, Richards issued a brief statement to reporters gathered outside the courthouse.

“I didn’t speak out before because I was afraid. But I’m not afraid anymore. I’m doing this for my daughters and for every woman who feels trapped or silenced,” she said.

Richards’ testimony marks a pivotal moment in the case, which has drawn significant media attention due to her high-profile status and prior history of public family disputes. The judge has not yet ruled on the restraining order, and the custody hearing is scheduled to continue next week.

Legal experts say the outcome of this case could impact future custody rights and potentially set a precedent for how alleged abuse is handled in California family courts.