Denise Richards has been granted a permanent restraining order against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, after a series of alarming incidents involving alleged spousal abuse and privacy violations. The order, which was granted on Friday, will remain in effect until November 7, 2030.
Richards sought the restraining order after Phypers allegedly shared private text messages and photos of the former Real Housewives star online. During the ruling, the judge commented on the situation:
“It’s pretty classic domestic violence from my perspective,” the judge said. “I think that it’s really pretty clear that you can’t take private things – and throw them out into the world like that without potential consequences. There can’t possibly be a defense that her peace can’t be disturbed because she had an OF page and did Playboy. That’s not a defense.”
The reality star had previously been awarded a temporary restraining order against Phypers in July, shortly after he filed for divorce from Richards. Phypers, 53, was arrested last month on spousal abuse charges related to two separate incidents in 2017 and 2022. According to reports, Phypers argued with sheriffs while riding down an escalator in court before they retrieved his cellphone. He later posted a $200,000 bond and was released, with his next court date scheduled for December.
During court proceedings, Fox reports Richards testified that Phypers attempted to damage her reputation following their breakup. She claimed that he had even leaked nude photos of her, which deeply affected her family.
“It’s been difficult for my daughters, especially with the naked photos,” Richards told the judge. “I’m so embarrassed and shameful as a mom. [My daughter] couldn’t go to church.”
Richards had petitioned the court in July, asserting that Phypers had stolen her computer and “disseminated private information, including nude photographs” to various media outlets. Judge Nicole Bershon ordered Phypers to return the device within 48 hours.
The hearing also included emotionally charged testimony from Richards. At one point, she pleaded for a tissue while recalling a particularly abusive incident in May, alleging that Phypers became “very volatile” at the Four Seasons hotel, just hours after she underwent multiple cosmetic surgeries, including a facelift.
In addition, Richards presented a video recording addressed to Phypers in court, in which she accused him of narcissistic behavior and detailed instances of alleged physical abuse.
“You were the last person I thought would do that to me,” Richards said in the video. “I don’t know why I’m having a hard time with this. Things were bad with Charlie and I, but he never hit below the belt.”
Phypers, meanwhile, has demanded spousal support and a share of Richards’ OnlyFans income. In court documents, he claimed that Richards had cut off his access to their joint bank account and taken away his holistic business equipment, arguing that she was preventing him from making a living.
The case highlights ongoing challenges around privacy, abuse, and financial disputes in high-profile relationships, with Richards ultimately securing legal protection to safeguard herself and her family.
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