On May 31, 2023, former That '70s Show actor Danny Masterson was convicted of two counts of rape. On September 7, 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years to life. His wife Bijou Phillips stood by him during the legal proceedings but filed for divorce shortly after his sentencing.
Bijou requested legal and physical custody of their 9-year-old daughter Fianna in her divorce filings. Danny has agreed and signed over custody while requesting visitation rights.
Peter A. Lauzon, Bijou’s lawyer, issued a statement about the divorce filings. "Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time. Her priority remains with her daughter," he began.
"This period has been unimaginably hard on the marriage and the family,” he continued. “Mr. Masterson was always present for Ms. Phillips during her most difficult times of her life. Ms. Phillips acknowledges that Mr. Masterson is a wonderful father to their daughter. She hopes that everyone will respect her family's privacy in these difficult times."
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Bijou’s divorce filings might have come as a shock to some. A source close to the couple had previously told People that she had no intentions of filing. “She has had a very difficult time since the conviction,” the source claimed. “She loves Danny and has no plans to file for divorce. She will be by his side for it all.”
Bijou’s official divorce filings cites “irreconcilable differences” as the cause but the truth may be more complicated than that. There is the possibility that it was done strategically to shield her assets from lawsuits. This way no one can come after her for Danny’s crimes.
Holly Davis, a family lawyer, believes this might be the case here. "It is very typical for people who are married to get a divorce when one of them is imprisoned," she explained to Insider. "Danny and Bijou are going to divide their estate and once the divorce is finalized, certain bank accounts, real estate, and other assets are going to be Bijou's separate property."
Bijou was present in the courtroom when Danny’s sentence was read. She audibly reacted when hearing it and cried as he was immediately taken into custody. Danny blew her a kiss as he was being taken away.
A source close to Bijou said she was devastated at Danny’s sentencing but is not letting that stop her from moving forward. “She is in touch with his lawyer,” they stated. “They are planning appeals. She tries to stay hopeful.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
