Lisa Vanderpump: Paul Nassif 'Always Looked Like an Amazing Father'

"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Vanderpump finds it difficult to believe Paul Nassif choked one of his children -- telling TMZ, Adrienne Maloof's estranged husband "always looked like an amazing father to me."

You'll recall, Adrienne has obtained a temporary restraining order against Paul on behalf of their children, after claiming he choked and spanked them. Adrienne was awarded temporary custody of the couple's kids the same day. (FYI -- Paul wasn't present at the hearing to defend himself because he wasn't told about it.)

But yesterday in Beverly Hills, Adrienne's co-star Lisa found it all hard to swallow -- insisting she always knew Paul to be a good dad.

For Paul's part, he tells TMZ, Adrienne's allegations are "utterly false" and he plans to vigorously defend himself in court.

Paul says, "It is becoming a bit of a circus isn't it? The phrase 'all is fair in love and war' must have been penned by a divorce attorney."

Still, he adds, "I'm going to stay utterly focused on [my children's] well-being and the knowledge they need equal time with both of their parents both of whom love them very much. I'm sure all will be fine and when all the emotion of the moment dies down, Adrienne and I will be terrific co-parents."