Denise Richards Obtains Restraining Order Against Aaron Phypers Following Allegations of Abuse
Denise Richards has been granted a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, after accusing him of years of physical and verbal abuse. The Superior Court of California issued the order on July 16, 2025, following Richards' submission of court documents detailing numerous alleged violent incidents. These documents included photos purportedly showing Richards with a black eye, which she claims resulted from Phypers' abusive behavior.
Key Dates and Alleged Incidents Leading to Restraining Order
The legal action follows a series of alleged incidents in early July 2025. According to court documents, on July 4, 2025, Richards claims that Phypers approached her closely, verbally abused her with degrading profanities, and forcefully grabbed her left arm. Just a day later, on July 5, 2025, Richards alleges that Phypers, accompanied by his father, entered her townhouse, continued to verbally assault her, struck her hat violently, chased her, and then forcefully pushed and dragged her to the ground, causing her to fall on the stairs. She further claims that he stole her laptop and accessed her private text messages.
Richards' Detailed Allegations of Abuse

In her court filing, Denise Richards provided a detailed account of the alleged abuse she endured during her marriage to Aaron Phypers. She stated that Phypers "regularly threatened to 'break my jaw'" and would "cry, beg me to stay, and promise to get help — none of which ever happened." Richards further claimed that he "has caused me at least three concussions" and allegedly placed recording devices in hotel rooms and her townhouses.
The court documents also outline a series of disturbing allegations, including claims that "Aaron would frequently violently choke me, violently squeeze my head with both hands, tightly squeeze my arms, violently slap me in my face and head, aggressively slam my head into the bathroom towel rack, threaten to kill me, hold me down with his knee on my back to the point where I would have to plead with him to" stop.
Richards stated that she hesitated to report Phypers earlier due to his repeated threats to harm himself and her if she contacted the police. She is now seeking to have Phypers cover her legal and other expenses and participate in a 52-week batterer intervention program.
Phypers Denies All Allegations of Abuse

In response to the accusations, Aaron Phypers vehemently denied all claims of abuse. In a statement to People magazine, Phypers said, "Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone." He added, "These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful."
Phypers further stated, "Denise and I, like many couples, have faced our share of challenges, but any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue." He also told TMZ that the claims are "not true. Conjured up. I have the real evidence."
The Black Eye and Conflicting Accounts
A central point of contention is the presence of a black eye, which Denise Richards presents as evidence of physical abuse inflicted by Aaron Phypers. This contradicts previous claims of a "drunken fall." The photographs of Richards with the injury are included as part of the court documents submitted in support of her request for a restraining order.
Ongoing Divorce Proceedings and Upcoming Court Hearing

The accusations of abuse come amid ongoing divorce proceedings initiated by Aaron Phypers earlier this month (July 2025). The serious nature of Richards' allegations is expected to significantly impact the divorce case. The next court hearing regarding the restraining order is scheduled for August 8, 2025. Until then, Phypers is legally required to maintain a distance of 100 yards from Richards and her property.
Public Reaction and Resurfaced Footage

The public has reacted to the allegations, with some resurfacing clips from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" (2020) that show Phypers exhibiting concerning behavior. In one instance, he is seen telling Richards he would "crush your f---ing hand," which some viewers have interpreted as a "red flag."