Denise Richards Secures Temporary Restraining Order and Alleges Years of Abuse by Estranged Husband Aaron Phypers

17 July 2025

Actress Denise Richards, 54, has been granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, 49, following a harrowing series of allegations spanning years of their marriage. Court documents filed with the Superior Court of California detail accusations of repeated physical and emotional abuse, including a recent incident between July 4 and July 14. Richards’ affidavit portrays Phypers as threatening both her life and his own, confronting her with claims that he owns at least eight unregistered firearms and frequently monitored her electronic communications without consent.

Richards provides a distressing account of violent outbursts, describing moments when Phypers “slammed” her head against the floor and struck her while she was using the toilet. He’s also accused of grabbing her by the hair and forcefully throwing her to the ground to prevent her from cancelling travel plans, often shouting control-based demands such as “You are not cancelling my flight” In a particularly chilling revelation, she recounts him waking her in the middle of the night to scream profanities and demand access to her phone and laptop claiming he installed recording devices in private spaces and hacked her messages.

Richards also accuses Phypers of issuing death threats if she ever reported his conduct to authorities. She alleges that the accumulation of violence resulted in at least three concussions and fear for her safety. Photos submitted to the court show visible bruising, including injuries sustained during a 2022 altercation at his listed workplace, where he struck her in the eye amid a delusional belief about listening devices hidden among his possessions.

Their tumultuous relationship dates back to 2018 when they married. Phypers filed for divorce on July 7, citing irreconcilable differences and listing July 4 as their separation date. In response to Richards’ disturbing allegations, the court granted a restraining order on July 16, mandating that Phypers stay at least 100 yards from her and her property until a hearing scheduled for August 8.

Phypers, whose wellness business has reportedly closed, is seeking spousal support and contends he has not earned a significant income since the relationship began unraveling. Meanwhile, Richards is said to earn more than $250,000 per month through acting projects, brand partnerships, and her OnlyFans account.

Richards has chosen not to speak publicly outside her court filings, but her attorney described the allegations as profoundly disturbing and emphasized her client’s resolve to protect herself and her family. As legal proceedings advance, the temporary restraining order reflects the court’s first response to her claims. The upcoming hearing will determine whether the protections are extended on a permanent basis .

This watershed moment brings serious domestic violence allegations into the public spotlight, shaking a family and fanbase that’s watched Richards blend celebrity, motherhood, and recently renewed fame through reality television. Her candid documents, accompanied by photographs and vivid descriptions of violence, underscore the gravity of the situation and highlight challenges domestic violence survivors face when seeking safety .

Whether the temporary restraining order is made permanent, and how details emerge during the August court appearance, remains to be seen. But Richards’ brave decision to seek legal protection and her willingness to bring these allegations to light marks a critical step in both her personal journey and broader conversations around domestic violence. The public and media interest in this case is sure to intensify as the next hearing approaches.