Bijou Phillips has recently filed for divorce from Danny Masterson, just days after the actor was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rape of two women in 2003. The divorce filing came as a surprise to many, as there were previous reports that Phillips would stand by her husband throughout his legal battles.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Phillips’ lawyer, Peter Lauzon, stated that “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.”
Danny Masterson’s sentencing on September 7 shocked many, as he was found guilty of raping two former members of the Church of Scientology at his Hollywood Hills home in the early 2000s. During the trial, the victims provided graphic details of violent assaults that occurred after they were served drinks that disoriented them. Masterson has consistently denied these accusations, and his lawyer, Shawn Holley, plans to appeal the conviction on the basis of “significant evidentiary and constitutional issues.”
TMZ first reported the news of Bijou Phillips’ divorce filing. Masterson and Phillips had been in a relationship for eight years before getting married at a castle in Ireland in 2011. They have a daughter together, who was born in 2014. The couple also worked together professionally, starring alongside each other in the independent film “Made for Each Other” in 2009, which also featured Danny Masterson’s brother, actor Christopher Masterson.
Bijou Phillips, daughter of the late John Phillips from Mamas and the Papas, has had a diverse career as an actress, model, and singer. Despite the difficulties she has faced during her husband’s legal battles, a source close to Phillips previously stated that she had no plans to file for divorce and would stand by Masterson. However, it seems that the recent events have taken a toll on their marriage and led to the decision to divorce.
The filing for divorce comes at a particularly challenging time for the couple, as Masterson is facing a lengthy prison sentence. He will be eligible for parole in approximately 25 years, at the age of 72. It remains to be seen how the divorce will impact their daughter and the overall dynamics of their family.
It is important to note that divorce can be a deeply personal and complex decision, particularly in cases where one party is facing serious legal consequences. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is likely that more details will emerge regarding the factors that led to Bijou Phillips’ decision to file for divorce.
Overall, the divorce filing by Bijou Phillips following Danny Masterson’s sentencing has garnered attention and sparked speculation about the impact of the trial on their marriage. Whether this decision will have long-term consequences for their family remains to be seen, but it is clear that this is a difficult time for all involved.
