Danny Masterson’s wife asks for divorce after being sentenced to prison

Danny Masterson, known for his role in the series That 70’s Show, was sentenced to 30 years behind bars a few weeks ago for rape allegations. Masterson was found guilty of two of three counts of sexual abuse in May of this year. The victims alleged that the crimes occurred at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. At sentencing, the affected women recounted the psychological and emotional harm they suffered due to Masterson’s actions. Now his wife has asked for a divorce, the icing on the cake of this absolute fall.

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Actress Bijou Phillips was in a relationship with Masterson for eight years before marrying in Ireland in 2011, and they collaborated on productions such as the 2009 independent film Made for Each Other. Despite the situation that has left Phillips devastated, a source had told the magazine People that she would remain faithful to her husband and support him at all times, which is why the divorce request is a surprise to everyone.

In a statement to The Hollywood ReporterBijou’s lawyer acknowledged that Masterson was an excellent father to his daughter and always supported her:

Mrs. Phillips decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time. Her priority remains her daughter. This period has been unimaginably hard on marriage and family. Mr. Masterson was always there for Mrs. Phillips during the most difficult times in her life. Mrs. Phillips acknowledges that Mr. Masterson is a wonderful father to her daughter.

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Bijou Phillipsborn April 1, 1980 in Greenwich, Connecticut, is the daughter of John Phillipsthe leader of the band The Mamas and the Papas, and the South African model and singer Genevieve Waite. The couple divorced in 1985, and both parents are now deceased; John in 2001 and Waite in 2019.

From an early age, Phillips was exposed to the world of entertainment. She began her career as a teenage model after being discovered at a horse-riding show. Her first big job was the cover of Interview Magazine At 13 years old. Additionally, she appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia in 1995 and participated in campaigns for Calvin Klein.

At age 17, he signed a record deal with Almo Sounds and released his debut album I’d Rather Eat Glass in 1999. This remains their only full-length musical release to date. Phillips later gravitated toward acting. Her first major film role was in the film Black & White. 39% in 1999, acting alongside figures such as Robert Downey Jr. and Jared Leto. She also participated in the Oscar-nominated film Almost Famous. 88% in 2000.

Masterson and Scientology

In accordance with Variety, the actor’s trial and conviction also shed light on the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is a lifelong member. All three victims were Scientologists at the time of the assaults and argued that the church discouraged them from reporting Masterson to the police. Leah Reminia prominent critic of Scientology, also came out in support of the victims.

The judge Charlaine Olmedo imposed the sentence, stating that Masterson’s actions 20 years earlier were criminal and took away someone else’s voice and choice. This conviction comes after a second trial; the first concluded with a hung jury in November 2022. In the second trial, the prosecution argued that Masterson had drugged the women, something that was not explicitly stated in the first trial.

Defense attorneys asked for a 15-year sentence, highlighting Masterson’s “exemplary” prior behavior. However, prosecutors requested between 30 years and life in prison, noting the “targeted” and “heinous” nature of his crimes. Following the sentencing, Masterson’s attorney announced that they plan to appeal the conviction. For his part, the lawyer for two of the victims praised their bravery and announced that they would soon tell more about how Scientology tried to prevent them from coming forward.

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