Denise Richards Seen with Black Eye Amid Ongoing Divorce Battle – Cause Revealed

Denise Richards drew public concern this week after being photographed with apparent facial bruising, an unsettling image that comes amid a high-profile and deeply personal legal battle with her ex-husband, Aaron Phypers.

Recent photos of Denise Richards have raised questions, but a source close to the actress insists the public is misinterpreting what they see.

On August 5, 2025, Richards, 54, was spotted in Los Angeles wearing a baseball cap and appearing to have a dark mark beneath one eye. The images circulated widely online, leading to speculation about potential physical harm — particularly in light of the disturbing abuse allegations Richards recently made against her ex-husband, Aaron Phypers.

A source told PEOPLE the discoloration is not the result of injury but rather, a cosmetic treatment. "It's not a black eye," the insider said. "It's lighting and shadows. She also had micro-needling PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)."

The treatment, commonly used to reduce wrinkles, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, can leave temporary redness or discoloration during healing.

In a restraining order request filed earlier this month, Richards accused Phypers of repeated violent behavior throughout their six-year marriage. She described instances where he allegedly choked her, slapped her, and slammed her head into fixtures. Richards also claimed he had accessed her personal devices without consent, made death threats, and caused multiple concussions during the course of their relationship.

She said she refrained from going to police for years because she feared for both their lives, alleging that Phypers threatened to kill himself and her if she spoke out.

Phypers has denied all claims of abuse, saying, "Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone. These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful."

He acknowledged their marital challenges but insisted he had always approached the relationship with "love, patience, and respect."