Actress Bijou Phillips has made a decisive move, filing for divorce from her husband, actor Danny Masterson. The couple, who tied the knot back in 2011, has called it quits after nearly 12 years of marriage.
Bijou initiated the divorce proceedings on Monday, September 18. This development follows Danny Masterson’s sentencing to 30 years in prison earlier this year, following his convictions on two counts of forcible rape.
Throughout the trial and subsequent sentencing, Bijou had been a visible source of support for Danny. However, it appears that her stance has changed dramatically since then.
In the words of her lawyer, Peter A. Lauzon, “Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time. Her priority remains with her daughter.” The couple shares a daughter, Fianna Francis Masterson, born in February 2013.
Lauzon continued, shedding light on the tumultuous period they’ve endured: “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.”
Back when Danny Masterson was convicted and subsequently sentenced to prison in June, sources close to Bijou revealed her shock and devastation. They mentioned that she had not anticipated the guilty verdict and was taken aback by the immediate custody and remand.
“She wasn’t prepared for the verdict. She never expected him to be found guilty. She couldn’t believe that he was taken into custody right away and remanded.”
The source added that Bijou was “terrified about the sentencing,” but stated:
“No matter what happens though, Bijou supports him. She has no plans to leave him.”
Despite her initial stance of support, it appears that circumstances have evolved, leading to her decision to seek a divorce.
The news of Bijou Phillips filing for divorce from Danny Masterson is a significant development in the wake of his legal troubles. Their once-sturdy marriage, spanning over a decade, has come to a definitive end, marking a new chapter in their lives.
