Warning: This article contains discussion of rape that some readers may find distressing.
Bijou Phillips, the estranged wife of Danny Masterson, has taken a significant step to distance herself from the former That ’70s Show actor.
Previously, Phillips, who is 45, had supported her ex-husband throughout his legal battles concerning the sexual assault accusations from three women in the early 2000s. Masterson was convicted of raping two of these women.
Phillips, who married Masterson in 2011 and had a daughter with him in 2014, was known for her unwavering support. She was frequently seen holding his hand outside the courthouse during the trials.
In a letter to the judge prior to Masterson’s sentencing, the concerned mother described him as an ‘amazing father’ with an ‘inseparable’ bond with their daughter, Fianna.
However, after the legal proceedings concluded, Phillips’ perspective shifted considerably.
According to sources close to the actor, as reported by the Daily Mail, her friends and family advised her to separate from Masterson for her well-being and for the future of their daughter.
“They encouraged her to show Fianna that eventually people need to be held accountable for what they do, even if it’s someone they love,” one insider claimed.
Another source indicated that Phillips was also seeking to safeguard her assets, saying: “Bijou also is doing it to protect her assets and protect her future. She doesn’t want to lose money and land and housing over a future civil lawsuit against Danny.”
Following this guidance, Phillips has taken action by filing to change their daughter’s last name.
She recently submitted legal documents, as reviewed by TMZ, to officially change her 11-year-old daughter’s name from Fianna Francis Masterson to Fianna Francis Phillips, thereby removing the surname of her incarcerated ex-husband.
Phillips filed for divorce from Masterson in September 2023, shortly after he received a sentence of 30 years to life in prison for the rape of two women.
Masterson, now 49, continues to assert his innocence while serving his sentence at North Kern State Prison in Delano, California.
Initially, after his sentencing, there were reports that Phillips struggled to come to terms with her husband’s conviction.
“Danny is adamant he did nothing wrong and Bijou believes him,” a source stated at the time.
Nevertheless, within weeks of the verdict, she proceeded with divorce, formally ending their 12-year marriage.
Since then, Phillips has moved forward with her life. The Raising Hope actress was seen with her new partner, businessman Jamie Mazur, in June 2024.
If you’ve been impacted by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can reach out to The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7, or chat online at online.rainn.org.