Denise Richards Granted Restraining Order
Denise Richards at the movie premiere of "The World Is Not Enough" in Westwood, Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Dschwen under CC BY-SA 3.0.
In a harrowing yet empowering turn of events, actress Denise Richards, 54, has been granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers. This legal protection comes after Richards detailed a disturbing history of abuse in court documents filed in mid-July 2025, alleging a pattern of physical violence and threats that have left her fearing for her life. The case, unfolding in the Los Angeles Superior Court, shines a spotlight on the courage it takes to speak out against domestic violence and the serious legal consequences that can follow such allegations.
A Troubling History of Abuse
Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers, who married in 2018, have been embroiled in a tumultuous relationship that, according to Richards, involved repeated episodes of physical and emotional abuse. In her court filing dated July 16, 2025, Richards accused Phypers of violently choking her, slapping her face and head, and aggressively slamming her head into a bathroom towel rack. These assaults reportedly caused Richards "at least three concussions," underscoring the severity of the alleged violence, as reported by PEOPLE.
The actress also described instances where Phypers held her down with his knee on her back, forcing her to plead for release to avoid being killed. Beyond the physical abuse, Richards alleged that Phypers hacked into her laptop and phone, downloading private text messages without her consent, adding a layer of digital violation to the already distressing situation.
*Denise Richards attending "Susan G. Komen's 8th Annual Fashion For The Cure" event, Hollywood, CA on Sept. 24, 2009. Photo courtesy of Toglenn under CC BY-SA 3.0.
The Breaking Point
The most recent alleged incident occurred in early July 2025, around the time Phypers filed for divorce on July 7, citing "irreconcilable differences," as reported by PEOPLE. Richards recounted a particularly frightening episode on July 4, when Phypers reportedly screamed degrading profanities at her, including calling her derogatory names, and "got within two inches" of her face in a threatening manner, as reported by The Cut. The following day, she claimed he forcefully grabbed her arms, pushed her, and dragged her to the ground, causing her significant pain.
Richards expressed that she had been too afraid to report the abuse to the police for fear that Phypers would harm himself or her, a common and tragic tactic used by abusers to maintain control. She also alleged that Phypers owns multiple unregistered firearms and bulletproof vests, heightening concerns about her safety, as reported by PEOPLE.
Legal Protection and Public Response
Following these allegations, the Los Angeles Superior Court granted Richards a temporary restraining order on July 16, 2025. This order aims to protect her from further harm and restricts Phypers from contacting or approaching her. Richards also reportedly requested that Phypers be required to attend a 52-week batterer intervention program and cover her legal expenses related to the abuse.
Phypers has publicly denied all allegations, calling them fabricated and asserting that he has never physically or emotionally abused Richards. According to CinemaBlend.com, he claimed that Richards has struggled with substance abuse issues and accused her of endangering their daughter, whose name has been anonymized here to protect her privacy. Phypers also disputed the timing and circumstances of the bruises Richards presented, suggesting alternative explanations.
A Moment of Justice
While the legal process is ongoing, the temporary restraining order represents a significant moment of justice and protection for Denise Richards. It serves as a stark warning that domestic violence allegations are taken seriously by the courts and that victims have avenues to seek safety and accountability.
As this case unfolds, it will undoubtedly continue to draw public attention, not only because of the high-profile individuals involved but also due to the broader issues it raises about domestic violence, personal safety, and the resilience of those who endure such hardships.
References: Denise Richards Accuses Aaron Phypers of Domestic Violence, Granted Temporary Restraining Order | Denise Richards Has Accused Aaron Phypers of Abuse | After Denise Richards Alleges Physical Abuse Claims Against Ex, He Responded By Accusing Her Of Substance Abuse And Putting Their Daughter In Danger
