Bijou Phillips has taken steps to end her marriage to actor Danny Masterson, according to public records.
Phillips filed for divorce in Santa Barbara on Monday, signaling the dissolution of their union that began in 2011 and resulted in the birth of their daughter.
This decision comes within a fortnight of Masterson’s sentencing to 30 years to life in prison due to his conviction on two counts of rape.
Peter Lauzon, Phillips’ legal representative, conveyed her perspective during this trying period, stating, “Ms. Phillips has chosen to initiate divorce proceedings amidst these unfortunate circumstances. Her primary concern remains focused on her daughter.” He added, “This phase has been exceedingly challenging for the marriage and the family.”
Inquiries have been made to seek commentary from Masterson’s legal representative regarding this development.
Previously, Phillips was present at Masterson’s sentencing, where he was handed the maximum “aggregate” penalty of 30 years to life imprisonment for his crimes, as per CNN’s earlier report.
Masterson faced allegations stemming from his 2020 arrest, where he had pled not guilty to the charges of raping three women in separate incidents that transpired between 2001 and 2003. Ultimately, he was found guilty in late May on two of these counts of forcible rape, with the jury unable to reach a consensus on the third count.
Masterson, asserting his innocence, intends to appeal the verdict, as stated by his lawyer, Shawn Holley, following his sentencing.
Danny Masterson’s trial brought renewed attention to his relationship with Phillips, who had supported him through his legal tribulations but had refrained from public statements.
The couple initially crossed paths during a celebrity poker event in Las Vegas in 2005 before formalizing their union in 2011. Their daughter, Fianna, was welcomed into the world in 2014. Bijou Phillips, known as both a model and actress, boasts a lineage that includes musician John Phillips from The Mamas & The Papas and actress-singer Geneviève Waïte. She has appeared in numerous films such as “Almost Famous” and “Bully” and contributed to the TV series “Raising Hope.”
