Denise Richards has spoken out for the first time since obtaining a restraining order against her ex-husband, Aaron Phypers. During a panel at BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas, the 54-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star described the experience as a 'process' and acknowledged the importance of her support system. She noted that going through a public breakup is 'very daunting', especially on reality television where personal lives are exposed.
Richards and Phypers split after six years of marriage. Phypers filed for divorce in July, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting spousal support and the return of his power tools. Shortly afterwards, Richards filed for a temporary restraining order, alleging physical and verbal abuse throughout their relationship. Court documents included photographs of injuries she claimed he inflicted.
Phypers denied all allegations and accused Richards of lying and cheating. At a court hearing last month to extend the restraining order, he was arrested on two felony counts of injuring a spouse and two counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat. He was later released on a $200,000 bond. On 7 November, a five-year restraining order was granted, prohibiting Phypers from coming within 100 yards of Richards or her workplace until November 2030.
The couple began dating in June 2017 and married in September 2018, with the ceremony featured on the ninth season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. They have no children together, though Phypers referred to Richards's youngest daughter, Eloise, as his stepdaughter. Richards also has two older daughters from her previous marriage to Charlie Sheen.
