Denise Richards’ request for a restraining order against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, was granted Friday.
According to Fox News, the permanent restraining order will remain in effect until November 7, 2030. Richards sought the order after Phypers allegedly shared private text messages and photos of the former “Real Housewives” star online.
“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.”
Richards, who initially received a temporary restraining order in July, filed the request one week after Phypers filed for divorce.
Phypers, 53, was arrested last month on spousal abuse charges stemming from two incidents in 2017 and 2022. He was taken into custody in court, argued with sheriffs while being escorted out, and later posted a $200,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for December.
During testimony last month, Richards alleged that Phypers tried to destroy her reputation and leaked nude photos of her.
“It’s been difficult for my daughters, especially with the naked photos,” Richards said in court. “I’m so embarrassed and shameful as a mom. [My daughter] couldn’t go to church.”
In July, Richards also accused Phypers of stealing her computer and “disseminating private information, including nude photographs” to news outlets. A judge ordered him to return the device within 48 hours.
Phypers filed for divorce on July 7, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking spousal support. Ten days later, Richards’ temporary restraining order was granted.
“Throughout our relationship Aaron would frequently violently choke me, violently squeeze my head with both hands, tightly squeeze my arms, violently slap me in my face and head, aggressively slam my head into the bathroom towel rack, threaten to kill me, hold me down with his knee on my back… and hack into my laptop and phone and download all of my text messages,” Richards claimed in court documents.
Richards alleged multiple instances of physical and emotional abuse, including an incident in May after she underwent cosmetic surgery, when she said Phypers became “very volatile.”
A video played in court showed Richards telling Phypers, “You were the last person I thought would do that to me… Things were bad with Charlie and I, but he never hit below the belt.”
Phypers has demanded half of Richards’ OnlyFans income, claiming he took the photos that appear on the account. His petition stated, “The money that she receives from it is about $200,000 to $300,000 per month and that income is derived from photographs that I took and to which I hold the intellectual property rights.”
He also claimed he was facing eviction and requested immediate access to $200,000 in addition to spousal support.
In a statement to People magazine in July, Phypers denied all allegations of abuse, saying, “Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone. These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful.”
“I ask for privacy as we navigate personal matters,” he added. “I hope that the public and media will refrain from spreading harmful and baseless claims.”
