Aaron Phypers, the estranged husband of actress Denise Richards, has made a shocking comparison between his wife and Nick Reiner, the son of director Rob Reiner, who stands accused of murdering his parents. Phypers invoked the tragic case when asked why Richards has accused him of domestic abuse.
Explosive Courtroom Claims and Comparisons
Speaking to TMZ on Friday, Phypers was questioned about the motivation behind Richards' allegations. He responded by asking, "What happened to Rob Reiner recently? Okay? There's a lot of influence there, guys." He then suggested a drug test should be administered, adding, "when people are on a bunch of substances and washing it down with other substances, what happens? Is their mental state good?"
Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder after his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, were found stabbed to death at their $13.5 million Brentwood estate last Sunday. Nick, who had a long history of drug problems and homelessness, was living in their guesthouse at the time.
Phypers later insisted to Us Weekly he was "not linking anything," but stood by his claim that Richards' accusations were "all a show." He argued, "She's just playing this as a game. It's like the Me Too movement, you know?" He maintains his innocence and says he will "win this thing."
A Contentious Divorce and Serious Charges
The public war of words stems from a bitter legal battle. Phypers filed for divorce from Richards in July on grounds of irreconcilable differences. Richards then obtained a temporary restraining order, alleging a history of violent abuse, including being choked, slapped, and having her head slammed into objects. She was granted a five-year restraining order against him last month.
In a dramatic turn, Phypers was arrested outside a courthouse in October and charged with two felony counts of injury to a spouse and two felony counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat. He posted $200,000 bail and was released hours later.
During a hearing this Friday on those felony charges, Phypers waived his right to be arraigned, pushing the proceeding to Monday. He appeared without a lawyer, explaining his finances were "locked up" until January 7.
Financial Desperation and Alimony Demands
Phypers, who closed his Quantum 360 wellness club last year and is currently unemployed, is in a dire financial situation. He has pleaded with the court for an expedited spousal support hearing, claiming he is in "literal danger of being made homeless" and is "begging friends for money to have food to eat." He argues Richards should pay him alimony as she controls their funds.
His request for a mid-December hearing was denied. Richards' legal team stated she would be unavailable due to surgery, and Judge Mark Juhas cited "court congestion" and her lawyer's schedule. The hearing is now set for January 7.
Phypers has consistently denied all abuse allegations, instead labelling Richards as the "abusive" one. He claims her accusations are retaliation for him publicly ending the marriage. The case continues to unfold as both parties prepare for their next court dates.
