In a dramatic escalation of their already bitter separation, actress Denise Richards has launched an extraordinary legal manoeuvre, compelling her former mother-in-law to take the stand in her divorce from Aaron Phypers.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has filed court documents demanding that Phypers' mother testify about alleged abusive behaviour during their marriage. This move signals a significant intensification in the legal war between the former couple.
A Contentious Courtroom Showdown
According to legal papers obtained by DailyMail.com, Richards is seeking testimony specifically regarding "instances of abuse" she claims to have endured. The court filing represents a deeply personal turn in the proceedings, pulling family members directly into the fray.
Phypers has vehemently denied all allegations through his legal representatives, setting the stage for a potentially explosive courtroom confrontation that could reveal intimate details of their failed marriage.
From Whirlwind Romance to Acrimonious Split
The couple's relationship timeline adds context to the current legal battle. They began dating in 2017, married in a surprise ceremony in 2018 after knowing each other for just months, and separated in 2023. The relatively short duration of their marriage contrasts sharply with the complex and drawn-out nature of their divorce proceedings.
This isn't Richards' first high-profile divorce. The actress was previously married to actor Charlie Sheen, with whom she shares two daughters. She also adopted a third child as a single parent before marrying Phypers.
The Celebrity Divorce Pattern Continues
Richards' case joins numerous other celebrity divorces that have turned contentious and played out in public view. The involvement of Phypers' mother introduces an unusual dynamic rarely seen in high-profile separations, suggesting the legal teams are preparing for an exceptionally hard-fought case.
As both sides dig in for what appears to be an extended legal battle, the entertainment world watches closely. The outcome could set precedents for how family members become involved in celebrity divorce proceedings moving forward.
