Actress Bijou Phillips has decided to end her marriage with Danny Masterson, just two weeks after Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life for rape. Legal documents obtained by TMZ reveal that Bijou filed for divorce in a California court on Monday.
Bijou had stood by Masterson throughout his rape trial and re-trial, even accompanying him at his sentencing hearing. Masterson was convicted on two counts of rape in May, although the jury was hung on the third count. The incidents in question allegedly occurred between 2001 and 2003, with three women coming forward to accuse Masterson.
The couple shares one daughter together, who was born in 2014. Reports have indicated that Bijou was devastated by Masterson’s sentencing. In a letter used as a character reference during the sentencing hearing, Bijou described Masterson as a “life-saving partner” to her.
The news of Bijou’s decision to end the marriage comes as a surprise, considering her unwavering support for Masterson throughout his legal proceedings. It is unclear what led to her change of heart, but it is likely that the gravity of Masterson’s conviction played a role in her decision.
Masterson’s conviction and the subsequent fallout have had a significant impact on his personal and professional relationships. Actor Ashton Kutcher and his wife Mila Kunis faced backlash after writing letters of support for Masterson, speaking to his character and their friendship. Both Kutcher and Kunis issued apologies following the backlash, and Kutcher stepped down from his position within the anti-child sex abuse organization he co-founded.
The divorce filing marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in Bijou and Masterson’s relationship. Despite the challenges they have faced, they were able to maintain their marriage throughout Masterson’s legal battles. However, it seems that the weight of Masterson’s conviction was too much for their relationship to bear.
Bijou’s decision to end her marriage underscores the difficulty faced by loved ones when someone close to them is accused and convicted of a serious crime. It raises questions about how individuals navigate the complex emotions and conflicting loyalties that arise in these situations.
The divorce filing also raises questions about the future for Bijou and Masterson as co-parents. While the details of the divorce and custody arrangements are not yet known, it is likely that they will need to find a way to co-parent their daughter amicably despite their strained relationship.
Time will tell how this chapter unfolds for Bijou and Masterson. Divorce can be a challenging and emotional process, and both parties will need to prioritize the best interests of their daughter as they navigate the legal proceedings.
As the public follows their journey, it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that criminal convictions can have on personal relationships. It is a testament to the resilience and strength necessary to rebuild and move forward after such difficult circumstances.
In conclusion, Bijou Phillips has filed for divorce from Danny Masterson following his conviction for rape. The decision comes as a surprise considering Bijou’s unwavering support throughout Masterson’s legal battles. The divorce filing raises questions about the future as co-parents and highlights the challenges faced by loved ones when someone close to them is accused and convicted of a serious crime. As the public watches their journey unfold, it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that criminal convictions can have on personal relationships.