Denise Richards Secures Restraining Order Amid Serious Domestic Violence Claims
Credit: JC Olivera/Variety via Getty; Robin L Marshall/Getty
Denise Richards has taken legal steps to protect herself following allegations of repeated domestic abuse by her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers. Courts have granted her a temporary restraining order, citing threats and physical violence.
What She’s Alleged in Court
First, Richards says the abuse spanned their entire six-year marriage. In filings, she detailed numerous violent incidents, including choking, slapping, head trauma, and being slammed into objects. She asserts that between July 4 and July 14, Phypers assaulted her multiple times—slamming her head, threatening her life, and leaving her fearing for her safety.
Then, she revealed ongoing verbal abuse—regularly enduring profanity, threats to kill her or himself, and degrading insults ("c--- w----," "lying bitch").
Physical Harm & Emotional Manipulation
Meanwhile, Richards alleges the abuse caused at least three concussions. She claims Phypers physically squeezed her head and body, threatened to break her jaw, and pinned her with his knee, forcing her to plead just to breathe.
Also, she accuses him of hacking her devices, monitoring her messages, and, more than once, threatening her if she reported him.
Concerns Over Weapons & Control
Furthermore, documentation alleges Phypers possessed unregistered firearms, bulletproof vests, and warningly threatened Richie’s disappearance would occur if she involved law enforcement. Richards says she feared contacting authorities after he threatened suicide or murder if she reported him.
Proof & High-Stakes Allegations
Also, Richards submitted photographic evidence—including a 2022 bruised eye—and recounted details from that period, noting witnesses including family and production crew from her reality show.
Moreover, co-stars from RHOBH expressed alarm after a resurfaced clip showed Phypers threatening to crush her hand.
The Legal Response & Court Order
Then, on July 16, a temporary restraining order was granted. Phypers is ordered to stay 100 yards away from Richards, her home, her workplace, her car—and is barred from possessing weapons during its duration.
Meanwhile, a hearing is scheduled for August 8 to consider extending it. Richards has also requested financial coverage for legal and abuse-related expenses, plus admission for Phypers into a 52-week batterer intervention program.
Phypers’ Denials & Divorce Filing
Meanwhile, Phypers filed for divorce on July 7, citing irreconcilable differences and having been separated since July 4. Phypers denies any abuse, calling the claims false and hurtful.
Additionally, he has accused Richards of infidelity and substance issues—alleging she physically harmed him and misused Vicodin.
Industry & Social Reactions
Also, reality TV insiders say the relationship off-camera was volatile and tense, marked by passive aggression and control.
Furthermore, RHOBH castmates expressed concern after viewing footage that suggested a long history of tension.
Why This Story Matters
Celebrity legal battle: High-profile divorce turning deeply personal.
Domestic violence spotlight: Reinforces the serious nature and prevalence of abuse.
Protection in progress: A Restraining order is a critical safeguard, pending more hearings.
Two conflicting narratives: Highlights the complexity of domestic disputes—each party offers vastly different accounts.
Final Takeaway
Denise Richards’s allegations paint a grim picture of sustained abuse and emotional trauma. The court’s restraining order signals formal recognition of her safety concerns. As the divorce unfolds and the August hearing approaches, this case raises crucial issues about domestic violence, legal protections, and power dynamics within high-profile marriages.
