After Denise Richards’ claims that estranged husband Aaron Phypers abused her for years went public, fans started noticing alarming red flags in resurfaced Real Housewives of Beverly Hills clips. One video in particular has been going viral, and it’s easy to see why.
In the clip, which is from the 10th season of the Bravo show, Denise and Aaron are having a hushed argument while walking into a house. Denise tells Aaron, “Baby, don’t say a f—ing word,” and Aaron responds, “Don’t tell me what to say.” He then mutters, “I’m going to crush your f—ing hand. Stop it.”
Although fans thought the interaction was alarming at the time, nobody realized just how serious Aaron was being. According to Denise’s petition for a restraining order, Aaron physically abused her throughout their marriage, giving her multiple concussions and threatening to kill her.
Commenters who watched the resurfaced clip were quick to point out how concerning this scene was, especially after what we’ve heard recently. If he was willing to say something that threatening in public with cameras rolling, it’s easy to imagine how much worse it was behind closed doors.
“That scene was uncomfortable to watch 😳,” one person wrote.
Another commenter added, “I hate this so much. This scene was so scary.”
“Not to mention that when Brandi brought up her alleged involvement with Denise, she told the group that Denise had told her that Aaron would ‘kill her’ if he found out,” someone else said.
Everyone thought Denise was speaking metaphorically when she said Aaron would “kill her,” but if her court filings are any indication, she may have been serious. “Aaron threatened I would ‘disappear’ if I called the police,” she explained in the court documents.
Denise and Aaron married in 2018, less than a year after they started dating. Aaron filed for divorce on July 7, 2025, citing irreconcilable differences. He has denied her claims of physical abuse.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women’s shelter at domesticshelters.org.
