Denise Richards’ emotional courtroom battle with estranged husband Aaron Phypers took a dramatic turn as she accused him of abuse and sought a restraining order, while he denied all wrongdoing—leaving their once-glamorous Hollywood love story shattered and their future hanging in painful uncertainty.

The courtroom in Los Angeles was tense on Thursday morning as actress Denise Richards, 53, faced her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, for the third consecutive day in their escalating legal battle.

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star is seeking a restraining order against Phypers, 51, alleging repeated emotional and physical abuse during their marriage and in the months following their separation.

Richards, dressed in a tailored black suit, appeared composed but visibly emotional as she took the stand to describe a series of incidents that, she claimed, left her “living in fear.

” She told the judge that one argument in early August “turned violent” and that she sustained a black eye shortly after.

“I just want peace,” she said softly, holding back tears.

“I want to feel safe again.”

Phypers, seated just feet away from his estranged wife, shook his head repeatedly during her testimony.

When it was his turn to testify, he denied all allegations of abuse under oath.

“I never hit Denise,” he said firmly.

“I never laid a hand on her.

Whatever happened to her eye did not come from me.

” He insisted their arguments were “intense but verbal,” accusing Richards of exaggerating events to “control the narrative” during their divorce.

The pair, who married in 2018, have been living separately since early this year after Richards filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.

” According to court documents, Richards alleges that Phypers’ temper “became unpredictable” and that his behavior had “grown increasingly erratic.

” She claims to have feared for her safety, prompting her to seek the emergency protective order in September, which the court temporarily granted pending this week’s hearings.

Meanwhile, Phypers’ attorney argued that the restraining order was “a tactic to gain leverage in the divorce settlement.

” He presented text messages purportedly showing Richards initiating contact after the alleged incidents.

“If my client were truly a danger,” the attorney said, “why was Ms.

Richards texting him late at night about dinner plans?”

Outside the courthouse, reporters swarmed the couple’s legal teams for comments.

Richards’ lawyer, Samantha Greene, told press, “Denise has been through unimaginable emotional distress.

This is not about money, not about fame—it’s about safety.

” Phypers’ representative countered with a brief statement: “Aaron has maintained his innocence from the start.

He simply wants the truth to come out.”

Observers noted that both sides appeared exhausted as the proceedings dragged into the afternoon.

Sources close to Richards say she’s been leaning on her daughters, Sam and Lola—whom she shares with ex-husband Charlie Sheen—for support.

“She’s tired, but she’s strong,” a family friend said.

“This is not the Denise the public sees on screen.

This is a mother trying to protect herself and her peace.”

Court insiders described moments of visible tension when photographs of Richards’ bruised face were displayed as evidence.

Phypers reportedly looked away, while Richards grew emotional, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

When asked by the judge if she believed her husband intentionally caused the injury, Richards hesitated before replying, “Yes.

I believe he did.”

The judge did not issue a ruling on Thursday, instead scheduling a continuation of the hearing for next week.

Legal experts suggest the decision could hinge on whether Richards can substantiate her claims with corroborating evidence beyond her testimony.

The former couple, who once appeared inseparable on red carpets and reality TV, now stand on opposite sides of a very public and painful courtroom battle.

Their divorce—already drawing intense media attention—has now become a flashpoint for discussions about domestic abuse and the pressures of fame on high-profile relationships.

As the hearing adjourned, Richards avoided reporters, walking quickly to her car without comment.

Phypers, escorted by his attorney, declined to speak but appeared visibly frustrated.

What once began as one of Hollywood’s more surprising love stories—a whirlwind romance that saw them marry just two days after announcing their engagement—has unraveled into something far darker.

And while both Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers insist they want to “move on,” the courtroom showdown suggests that peace may still be a long way off.