It's Ok To Ask For Help: Celebrities Who Have Accused Their Partners of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many people, including celebrities. In recent years, several high-profile stars have come forward to share their stories of abuse and harassment. While it can be painful for them to speak out, their bravery can help others who may be suffering in silence.

Lesley Beador: Accused of Domestic Violence by Ex-Husband David Beador

David Beador, ex-husband of The Real Housewives of Orange County star Shannon Beador, accused his estranged wife Lesley of domestic violence following their split. In court documents, Lesley asked the court to order David to stay 100 yards away from her and their daughter Anna after an alleged incident involving her mother in February.

David claimed that Lesley was a "pathological liar" who physically abused him on several occasions. He detailed one incident where he said she gouged large chunks of skin out of his arm during an argument, and another where she shoved her fingers into his mouth to silence him. The court granted David's request for a temporary restraining order, which he later dropped amid their divorce proceedings.

Denise Richards: Accused of Domestic Violence by Ex-Husband Aaron Phypers

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Denise Richards accused her estranged husband Aaron Phypers of intense physical abuse during their marriage. In court documents, she detailed allegations of violent choking, slamming her head into the bathroom towel rack, and threatening to kill her.

Richards also claimed that Phypers would regularly threaten to break her jaw and hack into her laptop and phone to download all of her text messages. After she was granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order, a shocking video from RHOBH Season 10 resurfaced, showing Phypers threatening to crush her hands.

Marilyn Manson: Accused by Multiple Women of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault

In 2021, Evan Rachel Wood accused Marilyn Manson of domestic abuse and sexual assault. More women came forward in the years thereafter, but Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman ruled his office would not press domestic abuse and sexual assault charges against the rocker.

Wood took to her private Instagram account as she noted that the Phoenix Act could not help her and other victims. "Evidence of violent crimes should not have an expiration date," she wrote.

Hayden Panettiere: Accused by Ex-Boyfriend Brian Hickerson

Hayden Panettiere's ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was arrested in February 2020 after he allegedly punched her on Valentine's Day. Panettiere said about the incident, "It was not my best behavior, it was not anyone's best behavior."

Panettiere has spoken publicly about the hotel incident, saying that she wants to help others who may be going through similar experiences. "But a lot of women go through what I went through, and I want people to know it's OK to ask for help," she said in a 2022 interview.

Keke Palmer: Accused by Ex-Boyfriend Darius Jackson

Keke Palmer alleged her baby daddy repeatedly attacked her, trespassed at her home, and "became very frustrated" with their son, Leo. She was temporarily granted sole custody of their child with no visitation for Jackson.

Palmer reflected on their relationship in a January cover story on The Cut, saying that there were often "no other words to describe such a toxic dynamic."

Mel B and Stephen Belafonte: A History of Abuse and Exploitation

Mel B was granted a restraining order against her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte for allegedly beating and sexually exploiting her. She also shared an incident where he accused her of flirting with Usher on set before punching her "with a closed fist in the face causing [her] lip to split and then swell."

Mel B repeatedly alleged that Belafonte abused her, including in an interview with . "I wasn't just emotionally and physically abused, there was all the financial abuse too," she said.

Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson: A History of Abuse

Tommy Lee was arrested and charged with felony spousal abuse and child abuse following a domestic dispute with Pamela Anderson in 1998. The latter was eventually dropped, though Lee was still sentenced to jail for six months over spousal abuse charges.

In her memoir, Love, Pamela, Anderson detailed three harrowing abuses she endured, including the physical abuse she suffered at the hands of Lee. "I'm not a victim, and I'm not the damsel in distress," she wrote.