Denise Richards has been granted a permanent restraining order against her estranged husband Aaron Phypers following allegations of physical and emotional abuse. The five-year order was issued after a court hearing where Richards detailed multiple violent incidents, and Phypers was arrested on spousal abuse charges.
The restraining order was granted on November 7, 2025, by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Nicole Bershon, who stated that sharing private information publicly constitutes domestic violence. Phypers must stay at least 100 yards away from Richards and her workplace until November 2030, and he is barred from contacting her in any manner or owning firearms. This ruling came after Richards testified about years of alleged abuse, with the judge emphasizing the irreversible impact on her peace and reputation.
Richards described multiple instances of physical violence, claiming Phypers choked her, slammed her head into walls, and caused at least three concussions. She alleged a specific incident in May 2025 where he became volatile at a hotel shortly after she underwent cosmetic surgery, leaving her fearful for her life. Additionally, Richards testified that Phypers leaked nude photos and private messages to news outlets, which she said caused immense embarrassment for her and her three daughters, affecting their daily lives and even church attendance.
Phypers was arrested in court last month on felony charges of injuring a spouse and dissuading a witness by force or threat. He posted a $200,000 bond and was released, with his next court date for the criminal charges scheduled for December. Outside the courthouse, Phypers denied all allegations, telling reporters he “wished it was the other way” and claimed Richards bruises easily, suggesting her injuries were self-inflicted or accidental. He maintained his innocence and expressed confidence that the truth would emerge.
The couple’s divorce proceedings began in July 2025 when Phypers filed, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking spousal support. Richards obtained a temporary restraining order shortly after, alleging abuse and theft of her computer, which the judge ordered returned. Phypers has countered by requesting half of Richards’ OnlyFans income, arguing he holds intellectual property rights to photos she uses and claiming she cut off access to joint funds, leaving him facing eviction. A spousal support hearing is scheduled for January 2026.
During the court proceedings, Richards pleaded for a tissue and cried while recalling abusive events, and Phypers testified that he had no recollection of her getting a black eye but acknowledged her eye looked bruised on one occasion. He claimed Richards would bruise herself while cooking or falling down, and he witnessed her getting injured often. The case has drawn significant media attention, with Phypers’ cousin Kathleen McAllister supporting Richards’ claims in a virtual appearance.
This ruling highlights the legal system’s approach to domestic violence cases, even involving celebrities. Richards’ victory provides her with a measure of security, but the ongoing divorce and criminal cases will determine financial outcomes and legal consequences. As both parties prepare for future hearings, the focus remains on ensuring safety and resolving the complex aspects of their separation.
