Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers Divorce After Abuse Allegations

The 'RHOBH' star opened up about the split during her return to the show.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Denise Richards, the actress and star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, met up with co-stars Erika Jayne and Sutton Stracke to discuss her divorce from husband Aaron Phypers. The couple married in 2018 after Phypers' previous divorce was finalized, but their relationship has now ended amid allegations of abuse.

Why it matters

The divorce of a high-profile reality TV couple like Richards and Phypers sheds light on the challenges of maintaining relationships in the public eye, as well as the complex issues of domestic abuse that can arise even in seemingly picture-perfect marriages.

The details

Richards and Phypers started dating in 2017 after meeting at his Malibu wellness center, Quantum 360. They married in September 2018 after Phypers' previous divorce from actress Nicollette Sheridan was finalized. However, the couple's relationship has now ended, with Richards opening up about the split and alleged abuse on the latest episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

  • Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers started dating in 2017.
  • The couple married in September 2018.
  • Denise Richards discussed the divorce and abuse allegations on the February 19, 2026 episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

The players

Denise Richards

An actress and star of the reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Aaron Phypers

Denise Richards' estranged husband, who owns the Malibu wellness center Quantum 360.

Nicollette Sheridan

Aaron Phypers' ex-wife, from whom he was divorced prior to marrying Denise Richards.

Erika Jayne

A co-star of Denise Richards on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Sutton Stracke

A co-star of Denise Richards on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

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The takeaway

This story highlights the difficulties that celebrity couples can face in their relationships, even when they appear to have it all. It serves as a reminder that abuse and marital problems can happen in any relationship, regardless of public status or perception.