Social media backlash erupted against Kelly Dodd, with users labeling her as “merciless” and “cheesy” after she shared a video that appeared to mock Denise Richards’ serious abuse allegations against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers. This reaction highlights the ongoing conversation around the sensitivity of domestic abuse topics and the public’s expectation for accountability among public figures.
In a video posted on Sunday, Dodd and her husband, Rick Leventhal, performed a lip-sync of a threatening audio clip from Phypers directed at Richards during Season 10 of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” This particular episode resurfaced in light of the recent allegations, where Richards was seen telling Phypers not to “say a f–king phrase” while they walked together, further illustrating the tension in their relationship.
In the audio, Phypers could be heard stating, “Don’t tell me what to say. I’m going to crush your f–king hand. Stop it.” The tone of the clip is undeniably aggressive, which raises serious concerns about the dynamics of their relationship. Dodd, who is 49 years old, alongside Leventhal, aged 65, reenacted this alarming scene in their video, captioning it, “Denise and Aaron for Halloween??,” seemingly trivializing a very serious matter.
Many social media users quickly criticized Dodd’s actions, deeming the video to be in “very poor taste.” Others expressed outrage at her apparent insensitivity towards the serious issue of domestic abuse, a sentiment that resonates deeply with many viewers.
One disappointed fan remarked, “Wow. That’s merciless; domestic abuse doesn’t come with a costume or a punchline,” while another added, “Cheesy, but not surprising.” This kind of feedback underscores the need for sensitivity regarding topics of abuse, especially in the realm of entertainment.
Additional followers expressed their concern for Richards, with one stating, “I think it’s horrible for Denise to see this.” This sentiment was echoed by others who shared their personal encounters with domestic abuse, highlighting the broader impact of such jokes on survivors.
Richards, who is currently 54 years old, was granted a restraining order against her estranged husband, who is 52, on July 16. This legal action came in response to serious allegations detailed in court documents, where Richards claimed that Phypers had threatened to kill both her and himself if she ever reported him to law enforcement.
Among the shocking allegations made by Richards are claims that throughout their relationship, Phypers repeatedly engaged in violent actions against her, including choking, slapping, and forcefully slamming her head into objects. These serious accusations, which have been disclosed to the media by Page Six, highlight the troubling nature of their relationship.
Additionally, the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum also alleged that Phypers caused a bruise on her eye during one of his attacks in 2022. These claims paint a disturbing picture of their domestic life, raising significant concerns about her safety and well-being.
In response to these allegations, Phypers has firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating, “Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone. These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful,” he said in a statement to People, which further complicates the narrative surrounding their tumultuous relationship.
As part of the restraining order, Phypers has been mandated to keep a distance of 100 yards from Richards, her home, and her vehicle. This legal measure is critical in ensuring Richards’ safety amid the ongoing allegations.
The exchange of explosive allegations between Richards and Phypers continues to escalate. Most recently, Phypers accused the mother of three of being addicted to Vicodin and engaging in an affair, adding another layer of complexity to their fractured relationship.
In a letter addressed to family and friends that was obtained by Page Six, Phypers claimed that Richards requires an “intervention” for her alleged substance abuse issues, which he suggested have endangered their 14-year-old daughter. His letter detailed long-standing concerns, stating, “Some of you know this has been a problem for over 20 years. She’s not eating real food, and I’ve witnessed her pass out from substances,” which raises alarming questions about her health and lifestyle.
Moreover, Phypers has gone on to assert that he is the true victim of physical abuse in their relationship. He claims that he was “physically attacked” by Richards on July 4, the same day he filed for divorce, which adds further complications to their already intricate situation.
Phypers has reiterated his denial of Richards’ abuse allegations, asserting, “I have never, ever physically harmed my wife, and I didn’t give her a black eye.” He insists that he has only ever intervened to protect her or others, claiming that he has had to separate her from physically attacking her daughter, all while maintaining that his intentions stem from a place of care and concern.
