Aaron Phypers, the former husband of Denise Richards, was arrested on Friday on charges of spousal abuse, adding a dramatic twist to their ongoing divorce proceedings.

The 54-year-old television star and her estranged partner were both present at a Los Angeles court hearing where law enforcement from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department took Phypers into custody.

Richards’ attorney confirmed to Us Weekly that Phypers faced arrest for allegations of spousal abuse.

According to an eyewitness account given to the media outlet, Phypers was apprehended outside the courtroom and escorted down an escalator, after which he did not return to the hallway.

Throughout the incident, Richards reportedly remained composed, engaging in discussions with her legal team at the courthouse.

Another witness claimed that Phypers appeared to be ‘confused’ by the arrest and didn’t seem to be aware that he would be taken into custody by officers. 

A lawyer for Phypers named Michael Finley has since commented on the arrest and told TMZ that he was taken into custody over an ‘outstanding warrant’ that has a possible connection to Richards’ abuse allegations. 

Denise Richards’ ex Aaron Phypers has been arrested outside of court over charges of ‘spousal abuse’ on Friday amid their ongoing divorce battle; seen in May in Universal City 

A lawyer for Phypers named Michael Finley has since commented on the arrest and told TMZ that he was taken into custody over an ‘outstanding warrant’ that has a possible connection to Richards’ abuse allegations; seen in January in L.A. 

Finley claimed that Phypers did not know of any warrant and also accused Richards as well as her legal team of ‘setting him up.’

Daily Mail has reached out to Phypers and Richards’ reps for comment but did not immediately hear back.  

The estranged couple both appeared in court on Friday for a restraining order hearing, with Richards’ final testimony taking place following a lunch break. 

One eyewitness also told Us Weekly that at the time, eight officers were seen standing outside the courtroom. 

The hearing as well as Richards’ temporary restraining order have been extended to November 7. 

Back in July, Phypers filed for divorce from Richards and cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ as the reason for the split, with their date of separation listed as July 4, 2025. 

That same month, Richards was granted a temporary restraining order only days after he filed for divorce. 

The actress – who was previously married to Charlie Sheen – has also alleged that Phypers gave her three concussions and that her marriage to Sheen had been better. 

A lawyer for Richards told Us Weekly that her ex was arrested for ‘spousal abuse’

The actress – who was previously married to Charlie Sheen – has also alleged that Phypers gave her three concussions and that her marriage to Sheen had been better; seen in September in L.A. 

Finley claimed that Phypers did not know of any warrant and also accused Richards as well as her legal team of ‘setting him up’; Richards seen outside of courthouse in L.A. on Friday 

Richards previously shared a photo of herself with a black eye, but Phypers claimed that she ‘bruises easily.’ 

It was also revealed on Friday in court documents obtained by TMZ that Phypers has requested half the earnings that his estranged wife received from OnlyFans. 

He claimed that the TV personality garnered around $200K-$300K each month from the pictures that she uploaded to the site. 

Phypers offered a reasoning behind his request and explained that he had taken the photos that she shared to OnlyFans. 

He further alleged that he is in financial trouble and is need of money in order to make rent payments and other bills. 

It was previously reported that Phypers was asking his estranged wife for $150,000 to pay rent and his lawyers, leaving her furious. 

During their time as husband and wife, he had access to their joint accounts – which he claims he cannot access anymore. 

Richards was seen at the courthouse in L.A. on Friday while sporting a short-sleeved black shirt as well as a pair of black trousers. 

Richards was seen at the courthouse in L.A. on Friday while sporting a short-sleeved black shirt as well as a pair of black trousers

It was also revealed on Friday in court documents obtained by TMZ that Phypers has requested half the earnings that his estranged wife received from OnlyFans; seen in 2019 in West Hollywood

She slipped into a pair of black heels and allowed her blonde hair to flow down in light curls. A pair of stylish shades were also worn for a finishing touch to her look. 

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star shared further details about the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex earlier this month. 

During a hearing regarding a temporary restraining order she was granted against Phypers in July – which she wants to make permanent – she claimed that he ’caused me at least three concussions,’ People reported. 

During an incident the actress said happened at a Chicago hotel in April 2025, Phypers ‘was squeezing my head so hard’ that it ‘felt like he was crushing my skull.’

She also claimed her tumultuous marriage to Sheen was better because proverbially, ‘he never hit below the belt.’

The entertainer was granted a temporary restraining order on July 16, days after Phypers filed for divorce.

A source close to him later claimed that the Wild Things actress and her legal team are ‘spewing fiction’ and that he is ‘planning on emerging victorious on this domestic violence protection order.’

During the hearing a video Richards recorded in August was shown by Phypers’ attorneys, according to People. 

She also claimed her tumultuous marriage to Sheen was better because proverbially, ‘he never hit below the belt’; former couple seen in September in Hollywood 

A source close to him later claimed that the Wild Things actress and her legal team are ‘spewing fiction’ and that he is ‘planning on emerging victorious on this domestic violence protection order’; Phypers seen in January in L.A.