How Denise Richards Went From “Great Wife” to Restraining Order in Two Years
Objective reporting, insightful analysis. Here is what we know so far.
In a surprising rewind to December 2023, Denise Richards and her husband Aaron Phypers appeared inseparable as they rode in a convertible at the Hollywood Christmas Parade. A fan standing alongside their car praised Richards for “stealing” Phypers from his former partner Nicollette Sheridan, and Phypers eagerly interjected to call his wife “a great wife.” The clip, originally obtained by TMZ, captured what looked like the glow of a happy marriage that began with their 2018 wedding. At the time, Richards was best known for her role on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and a career spanning blockbuster films of the 1990s; Phypers was establishing his reputation as a New South Wales–born entrepreneur in Los Angeles’s hospitality scene.
Fast forward to July 2025 and the tone could not be more different. Public records show that Richards obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order against Phypers following allegations that he struck her head against a towel rack earlier this month. Richards released photographs of what she said was a black eye, stating that the incident marked the culmination of repeated abuse. A People Magazine report adds that this was not the first confrontation; sources close to the actress allege a pattern of intimidation that ultimately led Richards to file for divorce after nearly seven years of marriage.
Phypers vehemently denied the accusations in a statement provided to TMZ, insisting he treated his spouse with “love, patience, and respect” throughout their relationship. He has countersued for defamation and is seeking joint custody of their two daughters. Court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court indicate both parties have agreed to mediation, but tensions remain high as both sides prepare for a hearing scheduled later this month.
Looking back at that holiday parade footage, one sees more than a lighthearted moment with fans. It highlights the sharp contrast between a couple in public harmony and the private distress that can lurk behind closed doors. Data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence suggests one in four women experience severe intimate partner violence, underscoring why high-profile claims like Richards’s draw widespread attention. Legal experts note that restraining orders are often granted swiftly when presented with photographic evidence of injury, as in this case. If Richards’s allegations are upheld, Phypers could face criminal charges and long-term visitation restrictions.
Denise Richards’s decision to go public with her allegations may also signal a shift in celebrity culture, where more women leverage social media and court filings to spotlight domestic abuse. As Richards continues to navigate her professional life—she is reportedly in talks for new reality TV projects—her legal battle could influence how networks handle stars entangled in personal crises.
That wraps our deep dive on this high-profile breakup. More updates will follow.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, People Magazine, Los Angeles Superior Court Records
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
