Danny Masterson may still have to provide financial support for his family during his 30-year prison sentence for rape, even as his marriage comes to an end. The actor, best known for his role in "That 70's Show," is facing a challenging period as his wife, Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce in the Santa Barbara Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences. Court documents obtained by Insider reveal that this move occurred less than two weeks after Masterson received his sentencing for the rape of two women in a high-profile Los Angeles re-trial.
In her divorce petition, Phillips has requested spousal support and full custody of their 9-year-old daughter, while expressing her willingness to allow the child to maintain contact with her father. Peter Lauzon, the attorney representing Phillips, released a statement saying, "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."
Throughout both of her husband's trials, Phillips was a constant presence. The first trial ended in a mistrial in November 2022, while the second resulted in Masterson's conviction on two counts of rape in May. He was subsequently sentenced on September 7.
Shortly after Masterson's sentencing, sources close to Phillips had initially indicated that she would stand by her husband and had no plans to file for divorce. However, less than a week later, she initiated the divorce proceedings.
The divorce petition filed by Phillips lists the couple's date of separation as "TBD." She has also requested legal and physical custody of their daughter, as well as financial coverage for her attorney fees. In the petition, Phillips explicitly states that Masterson may have visitation rights with their daughter.
A declaration submitted by Phillips alongside the divorce petition highlights that since 2018, she and their daughter Fianna have been living separately from Masterson's Los Angeles residence, residing in a home in Santa Ynez, California.
Phillips, known for her career as a singer and actress, is also a Scientologist, sharing this religious affiliation with Masterson. She had a recurring role in the FOX sitcom "Raising Hope" from 2010 to 2014 and appeared in several movies between the mid-1990s and 2010.
Masterson's fame peaked with his role in "That 70's Show," one of the most beloved sitcoms of its time, which garnered numerous awards and over a dozen prime-time Emmy nominations.
