Actress Denise Richards has been granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, following allegations of repeated physical abuse, emotional intimidation, and threats to kill. According to People, the restraining order was approved by a Los Angeles court on July 16, 2025, days after Richards filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.
The order prevents Phypers from contacting Richards or coming within 100 yards of her, her home, workplace, or car. It also bars him from possessing firearms and will remain in effect until a full court hearing scheduled for August 8, when a judge will consider making it permanent.
In her court filing, Richards, 54, described living in fear throughout their marriage. She stated: “I have been afraid to report Aaron to the police or file for a restraining order because he has threatened to kill me, himself, and anyone who came to help me.” (People, July 17, 2025)
Allegations of Assault, Concussions, and Suicide Threats
Richards’ affidavit lays out a disturbing pattern of abuse, including multiple assaults between 2020 and 2025. She claims that Phypers “choked her, slammed her head into walls, slapped her face, and dragged her downstairs.” In one incident, she says he gave her a black eye—an injury documented in a photograph submitted to the court.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Richards alleges that she suffered three concussions during their marriage and that Phypers used the threat of suicide to keep her silent. She recalled him saying that he would “blow himself up with a gas tank” if she ever called the police.
Phypers has denied all accusations, calling them “completely false and deeply hurtful.” In a statement issued to People, he said, “I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise and will contest these claims in court.”
Richards is also seeking court-ordered therapy for Phypers, requesting he undergo a 52-week batterer intervention program. She cited growing concern over his possession of weapons, bulletproof vests, and what she described as “unpredictable and escalating behaviour.”
Resurfaced Footage Raises Further Concern
Public concern around the couple’s relationship intensified after a 2019 clip from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills resurfaced online. In the scene, Phypers is heard threatening Richards, saying: “Don’t try to f—ing have a conversation with me, or I’ll crush your f—ing hand.” (People, July 18, 2025)
At the time, Phypers dismissed the comment as a joke, but Richards now confirms the remark was genuine. Co-stars from the show have since expressed concern. According to The Times, Sutton Stracke responded with “zero tolerance,” while Garcelle Beauvais described the footage as “deeply upsetting.”
In the same court documents, Richards referenced the clip as evidence of Phypers’ public intimidation and his ability to mask abusive behaviour even on camera.
A Private Battle Made Public
Though she had not spoken publicly about their struggles during the marriage, Richards now says she remained silent out of fear. In her affidavit, she wrote: “I stayed because I was afraid. I stayed because I was ashamed. I stayed because I believed him when he said he would kill himself—and me—if I left.” (People, July 17, 2025)
The couple married in 2018 after less than a year of dating and appeared together on RHOBH during the show’s tenth season. Behind the scenes, Richards alleges the relationship became controlling and dangerous.
The restraining order follows a July 7 divorce filing and marks a critical shift in the legal proceedings. In addition to protection, Richards is seeking sole use of their shared home and is opposing Phypers’ request for spousal support.
A court hearing is set for August 8, where both parties are expected to present testimony and evidence. Until then, the restraining order remains in effect, offering Richards the first formal layer of legal protection since the alleged abuse began.
In the weeks ahead, the court will decide whether to make the restraining order permanent. Regardless of the outcome, Richards’ decision to speak out may encourage other survivors—especially those in the public eye—to come forward.
As she stated in her filing: “I want to feel safe in my own home. I want to heal. I want to move forward without fear.”
Featured image: Denise Richards. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Entertainment Tonight.
