Denise Richards says she is “doing good” after a Los Angeles judge granted her a permanent restraining order against estranged husband Aaron Phypers, marking a significant step in what has become one of the most contentious celebrity splits of the year (People Magazine).

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum gave an emotional update during a fan-packed BravoCon panel on Sunday, where she appeared alongside other network stars. Speaking during the Bravo2Bravo session, the 54-year-old acknowledged that healing is ongoing.

“It’s a process,” Richards said, adding that she is relying heavily on a “great support system” of close friends, family, and Bravo colleagues (Page Six).

“Very daunting” navigating a breakup on reality TV

Richards admitted that dealing with her marriage breakdown so publicly has made the situation significantly more challenging.

“It’s very daunting,” she said. “On reality shows, our personal life is out there. You can’t pretend it’s not happening.”

The actress’ comments resonated with many in the room, given that her relationships and family life have long been featured across multiple reality programs, from RHOBH to Denise Richards: It’s Complicated.

Denise Richards broke her silence on being granted a permanent restraining order against estranged husband Aaron Phypers.

Background: Divorce filing and disturbing allegations

Richards filed for divorce from Phypers, 53, in July and, later the same month, accused him of “frequent” and “violent” physical abuse — claims Phypers has repeatedly denied (Los Angeles Times).

In court filings, Richards described a pattern of escalating aggression, prompting her to seek emergency protection.

A temporary restraining order was granted on July 16, restricting Phypers’ ability to contact her. After multiple hearings — some lasting several days — a judge ultimately approved a permanent restraining order effective until November 7, 2030 (NBC News).

Under its terms, Phypers must remain at least 100 yards away from Richards and her workplace, and is barred from contacting her in any form.

The Bravolebrity is doing “good.”

Phypers reacts to the ruling

Following the ruling, Phypers expressed disappointment, saying he had hoped the judge would rule “the other way.”

“I know the truth. This may be hidden for a minute… but that’s OK,” he said in a brief statement outside the courthouse (The Guardian – US Edition).

Throughout the proceedings, Phypers has maintained his innocence and has accused Richards of wrongdoing — including infidelity, harassment, and tracking his car — allegations Richards has flatly denied.

Emotional testimony and arrest inside the courtroom

The October hearing proved especially dramatic. Richards delivered lengthy emotional testimony describing fear, intimidation, and past incidents of alleged violence. In a notable turn, Phypers’ own cousin, Kathleen McAllister, testified under oath and supported some of Richards’ claims (Variety).

During that same hearing, Phypers was arrested inside the courtroom on an outstanding charge related to alleged spousal abuse. He was later charged with:

• Two felony counts of injuring a spouse

• Two felony counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat

He posted his $200,000 bond and was released later that evening.

Richards was granted a five-year restraining order against Phypers earlier this month.

Divorce battle far from over

Despite the restraining order ruling, the estranged couple’s divorce remains active and unresolved. Legal experts note that cases involving both domestic violence claims and competing allegations of misconduct — as seen here — often become prolonged and complex (LA Times).

For now, Richards says she is taking things moment by moment:

“It’s been a lot,” she told BravoCon attendees. “But I’m grateful. I’m supported. And I’m moving forward.”