Hollywood Actress Scores Legal Victory in Domestic Abuse Case
In a significant legal development, actress Denise Richards has obtained a substantial legal win against her estranged husband Aaron Phypers. The court has granted Richards a comprehensive five-year restraining order that provides multiple layers of protection following her allegations of physical abuse during their six-year marriage.
Court Order Details and Restrictions
The legal ruling imposes strict limitations on Phypers' activities and behavior. Aaron Phypers is now legally prohibited from purchasing or owning firearms and is forbidden from any form of abuse against his ex-wife. The order explicitly states he cannot engage in any behavior that would disturb Richards' peace.
In a notable provision, Denise Richards has received court permission to record any conversations between the two parties for the entire five-year duration of the restraining order. This unusual measure reflects the seriousness of the situation and provides Richards with additional security.
The court has also mandated that Phypers must return Richards' personal laptop immediately and is barred from sharing any photographs of his ex-wife with media outlets. Additionally, he is required to return all videos documenting Richards' medical surgeries and delete them from any backup storage devices or online accounts.
History of Alleged Abuse and Court Testimony
The recent ruling follows an initial temporary restraining order granted to Richards in July, which came shortly after Phypers filed for divorce. During court proceedings last month, the actress delivered powerful testimony detailing the alleged abuse she endured.
Richards testified that her estranged husband caused her at least three separate concussions during their marriage, expressing genuine fear for her life. She described specific incidents, including one on January 17, 2022, when Phypers allegedly gave her a black eye.
Another serious incident occurred between March and May 2022, when Richards claimed Phypers slammed her against a concrete wall. The third concussion allegedly took place at a Chicago hotel in April 2025, where Richards testified that Phypers squeezed her head with such force that she felt her skull was being crushed.
In her emotional court statement, Richards told the judge, "He's almost killed me so many damn times." She recalled another disturbing incident where Phypers allegedly pushed her down a staircase before leaving with her laptop, purse, and credit cards.
Throughout the proceedings, Aaron Phypers has maintained his innocence, asserting in court that he never caused physical harm to Richards nor threatened to kill anyone.
Relationship Timeline and Family Background
Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers first encountered each other at his wellness clinic in 2017. Their relationship became official in September 2018, following the finalization of Phypers' divorce from his first wife, Nicollette Sheridan.
The couple exchanged marriage vows on camera in September 2018 while participating in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reality television series. Richards has two daughters from her previous marriage to actor Charlie Sheen and welcomed her third child, her first with Phypers, through adoption in 2021.
The five-year restraining order represents a significant legal protection for Richards as she moves forward with her life and career, providing substantial safeguards against her estranged husband following their six-year marriage.
