Bijou Phillips files for divorce from Danny Masterson after That '70s Show star was jailed for rape
Stewart Perrie
Featured Image Credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images. Brad Washburn/FilmMagic
Bijou Phillips has filed for divorce from Danny Masterson after the That '70s Show star was jailed for rape.
The actor was sentenced to 30 years behind bars following a trial at the Los Angeles Superior Court.
The first jury was unable to reach verdicts on three counts of rape in December 2022 and, as a result, a mistrial was declared.
However, prosecutors retried him on the same three offences and a jury of seven women and five men found Masterson guilty of two counts on May 31.
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Both attacks were said to have taken place in Masterson’s home in 2003.
A verdict could not be reached on the third count - an allegation that Masterson also raped a longtime girlfriend.
Masterson's legal team wanted the sentences for the two convictions to run simultaneously, and asked for him to serve 15 years to life.
However, the prosecution requested for the full 30 years to life sentence Masterson was eligible for.
In the wake of the trial, conviction and sentencing, Masterson's wife has filed for divorce.
Legal documents obtained by TMZ state that Phillips has listed 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for their marriage ending.
Her lawyer, Peter A. Lauzon, told the outlet: "Ms Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time.
"Her priority remains with her daughter.
"This period has been unimaginably hard on the marriage and the family.
"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."
Bijou is requesting full custody of their nine-year-old daughter, however she is letting him have visitation rights.
Her legal documents also reportedly state that she wants spousal support, attorneys fees and that her legal name be changed back to Bijou Phillips.
Phillips attended Masterson's trial and was by his side throughout the legal battle, even up to the sentencing hearing.
Her filing for divorce comes after a source claimed she would never go down this route.
“She has had a very difficult time since the conviction,” a source told PEOPLE.
“She loves Danny and has no plans to file for divorce. She will be by his side for it all.”
The insider added: “She is in touch with his lawyer. They are planning appeals. She tries to stay hopeful.”