Bijou Phillips, the wife of actor Danny Masterson, has officially filed for divorce just two weeks after Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape. Phillips submitted the divorce documents on Monday at the Santa Barbara Superior Court, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the cause of their separation.
The couple had been married since 2011 and have a 9-year-old child together. However, the recent events surrounding Masterson’s criminal case have evidently taken a toll on their relationship. Phillips’ attorney, Peter A. Lauzon, released a statement mentioning that her main focus is now on their daughter and that this period has greatly strained both their marriage and their family.
In the divorce filing, Phillips is seeking spousal support and legal fees. Additionally, she has requested to have her legal name restored to Bijou Phillips. These requests reflect her desire for a fresh start and independence following the dissolution of their marriage.
Remarkably, Phillips also penned a letter to the judge who sentenced Masterson, describing him as a doting father and a life-saving partner. Despite the serious charges against Masterson, Phillips acknowledges the complexity of their relationship and recognizes the positive aspects of their time together.
Masterson, 47, was found guilty in May of raping two women at his Los Angeles home twenty years ago. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on charges pertaining to a third woman. Masterson, who did not testify during the trial, has consistently denied all allegations made against him.
As news of the divorce filing broke, Masterson’s attorney declined to comment on the matter. It is clear that the legal battles and controversies surrounding the actor have now extended into his personal life, leaving the couple to navigate a difficult and public separation.
