Aaron Phypers’ pal claims Denise Richards’ black eye was result of a drunken fall, not abuse

A source close to Aaron Phypers is blaming Denise Richards’ black eye, which she claimed he caused, on her alleged “alcohol problem.”

“This is consistent with the ongoing untruthfulness of Denise Richards, who is trying to hide her alcohol problem,” an insider close to Phypers claimed to the Daily Mail Thursday.

“That photo was taken in winter 2022, and the fact is she was drunk at the time and fell coming up the steps to Aaron’s [since-closed medical] clinic, Q360.”

According to the source, Richards, 54, allegedly “fell and caught the corner of her eye on the stairs and then came up to the office where they treated her and put ice on it.”

The source insisted “lots of people in the office … saw what happened” and alleged that Phypers “has never touched [Richards] and never would.”

The actress detailed the incident in question in a request for a temporary restraining order, which was granted Wednesday.

While the former couple agree that it occurred in the winter of 2022 at Phypers’ former place of work, Richards alleged that he “used the heel of his palm to strike [her] in the eye while calling [her] a ‘f–king bitch.’”

According to Richards, Phypers, 49, had “brought several potted plants into the center and became paranoid that they contained listening devices.”

“A police officer, who was in the parking lot (where officers often stop to complete paperwork or use the restrooms), approached the door after hearing the yelling,” the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum claimed, adding that the alleged assault occurred “after the officer left.”

Richards also claimed that a “female family member,” who was present, “witnessed the assault and immediately retrieved frozen food to reduce the swelling.”

The OnlyFans star attached “a true and correct copy of a picture of [her] black eye” to the TRO request.

According to Richards, this was not an isolated incident.

“Throughout our relationship, Aaron would frequently violently choke me, violently squeeze my head with both hands, tightly squeeze my arms, violently slap me in my face and head, [and] aggressively slam my head into the bathroom towel rack,” Richards alleged in her filing, adding that he even threatened to kill her and himself if she ever reported him to the authorities.

In the wake of the former Bravolebrity’s abuse claims, fans uncovered a scene from “RHOBH” Season 10 in which Phypers, who was holding Richards’ hand, threatened to “f–king crush” it.

Phypers, who filed for divorce from Richards last week after nearly seven years of marriage, denied the abuse “rumors and speculation” in a statement.

“Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone,” he insisted. “These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful.”

While Phypsers admitted that he and Richards “have faced [their] share of challenges,” he reiterated that “any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue.”

He concluded by asking both the public and the media to “refrain from spreading harmful and baseless claims.”

Phypers, who has been unemployed since last year, is seeking spousal support from Richards, whom he claimed earns more than $250,000 per month.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text “BEGIN” to 88788.