In a dramatic turn in their already contentious split, Aaron Phypers has formally accused estranged wife Denise Richards of long-term Vicodin addiction and carrying on an extramarital affair. The allegations, laid out in a letter obtained by media outlets this week, add a fresh layer of controversy to a divorce that already features mutual claims of abuse.
Decades-Long Addiction Claim
Phypers alleges that Richards has been dependent on prescription painkillers for nearly a decade, jokingly referring to Vicodin as “Vitamin D” or “white chestnuts.” He further claims she has mixed the opioid with Adderall and tequila, leading to multiple incidents where she allegedly passed out and endangered herself—and their 12-year-old daughter, Eloise—behind the wheel. According to Phypers, her substance use has become so severe that she “no longer eats real meals” and has been known to collapse in public.
Accusations of Infidelity and Intimidation
Beyond the drug-related accusations, Phypers charges that Richards has carried on an ongoing affair with another man, though he did not name the individual. He also alleges a pattern of intimidation, claiming she destroyed his phone during an altercation and physically assaulted him in early July. The date of that confrontation—July 4—corresponds to the separation date cited in his July 7 divorce filing, which lists “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split.
Counterclaims and Court Orders
Richards has already secured a temporary restraining order against Phypers, having accused him in court papers of repeated domestic violence—ranging from slaps and chokes to death threats and digital surveillance. A hearing on whether that restraining order will be extended is set for August 8, during which both parties are expected to present evidence supporting their conflicting narratives.
Denials and Defense
A representative for Phypers has forcefully denied all claims that he ever abused Richards, describing her allegations as “harmful and baseless.” In response to her evidence of bruising, Phypers’s camp asserts that Richards sustained at least one visible injury in a 2022 fall while intoxicated—not through any intentional harm on his part. Meanwhile, Richards has not publicly addressed the new substance-abuse and infidelity charges, remaining focused on her request for protective measures.
Relationship History
Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers married in September 2018, after dating for several months following Richards’s adoption of her youngest daughter, Eloise, in 2011. Throughout their six-year marriage, Richards was a steady presence in reality TV and film, while Phypers kept a lower public profile—until their divorce filings thrust both into the headlines. The pair share custody of Eloise, who has a rare chromosomal disorder, and his letter underscores his concern over her safety amid the unfolding allegations.
What’s Next
As both sides gear up for court in early August, the family’s private struggles continue to play out in public view. With mutual accusations of addiction, infidelity, abuse, and intimidation, the coming weeks will be critical in determining custody arrangements, the status of restraining orders, and the final terms of their divorce. For now, fans and onlookers are left to wonder how this high-stakes battle will reshape the lives of Richards, Phypers, and their young daughter.
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