Bijou Phillips Files for Divorce Following Danny Masterson’s Sentencing
In a shocking turn of events, Bijou Phillips, daughter of “The Mamas and the Papas” singer-songwriter John Phillips and actor Genevieve Waite, has filed for divorce from her husband, Danny Masterson, shortly after his sentencing to 30 years to life in prison for the rape of two women.
Divorce Petition Filed
Phillips initiated the divorce proceedings by filing a petition to end their 11-year marriage in Santa Barbara court on Monday. According to court documents reviewed by USA TODAY, she cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their separation, listing the date of their separation as “TBD.” In her petition, signed on September 15, she requested spousal support, restoration of her name to Bijou Phillips, and full legal and physical custody of their 9-year-old daughter, Fianna Francis Masterson, with Masterson receiving child visitation rights.
Bijou Phillips files for divorce against Danny Masterson after his 30 years to life sentence. She stood by his side at trial. Is she leaving because he is guilty, or to divide their community estate before the victims get a judgment against him?
— Christopher C. Melcher (@CA_Divorce) September 19, 2023
A Troubled Marriage
The couple had been married since October 2011 but has faced a tumultuous journey in recent times, especially during Masterson’s trials. Throughout his legal battles, Phillips stood by him, showing emotional support during the guilty verdicts on May 31 and his sentencing hearing on September 7, where he received the maximum sentence allowed by law.
Masterson’s Conviction
A jury comprising seven women and five men found Masterson guilty of two counts of rape, stemming from incidents that occurred in Masterson’s Hollywood-area home in 2003 when he was a prominent actor on the Fox sitcom “That ’70s Show.” The jury couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict on a third count, an allegation involving another woman. Masterson has consistently maintained his innocence, and his legal team plans to appeal, citing issues with evidence and constitutional concerns.
Bijou Phillips’ Character Reference Letter
In a character reference letter she wrote in support of her husband a month before his sentencing, Phillips described Masterson as “a life-saving partner” over their 19 years together. She highlighted his role as an extraordinary husband and devoted father to their daughter, expressing their deep longing for his return.
Awaiting Further Developments
As this dramatic chapter unfolds, there are still many questions and emotions surrounding the divorce of Bijou Phillips and Danny Masterson. USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for both parties for additional information. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this evolving story.
More About Bijou Phillips
Bijou Phillips, known for her modeling career as a teenager and her roles in films like “Almost Famous” and television shows such as “Raising Hope” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” has a fascinating background as the daughter of iconic figures in the entertainment industry.
Also Read :
Mysterious Death of Actress Sabine Boghici
Selena Gomez Stuns in $2,500 Pink Ensemble at Los Angeles Event
One Comment