LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Convicted rapist Danny Masterson’s wife Bijou Philips has filed for divorce! This comes just days after the actor was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
As per PageSix, the 43-year-old filed for separation at a California court on Monday, September 18, 2023. During the sentencing, Phillips was present in the court throughout the proceedings.
Though many anticipated her move, she continued to wear her wedding ring, which many interpreted as a sign of solidarity.
Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years in prison
After being convicted in two separate sexual assault cases, California Superior Court Judge Charlaine F Olmedo handed a life sentence to the '70s Show' alum.
"Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s choice and voice,” said Judge Olmedo, adding, “Your actions 20 years ago today were criminal, and that’s why you are here.”
The victims were in the courthouse at the time of judgment. “You relish in hurting women. It is your addiction. It is without question your favorite thing to do,” one of the victims said.
Masterson was found guilty of two rapes in May, which took place in 2003. His first trial in November 2022 resulted in a hung jury.
Out of three sexual abuse cases filed against him, one was dismissed by the court. The ruling reportedly “shocked and devastated” his wife, who “wasn’t prepared for the verdict,” a close source told People.
“Danny is adamant he did nothing wrong and Bijou believes him,” a source had told the Daily Mail on September 8.
“She is hanging on to the fact that she completely trusts he never did what he was charged for, she can’t accept that to be true and she is looking to the appeal process for justice to be served,” the source continued
“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.
The victims addressed Danny Masterson in court
One of the victims claimed Masterson raped her in the winter of 2001 when she was 23. Another claimed her rape took place in April 2003 when she was 28, and a third claimed her rape occurred in the fall and winter of 2003 when she was 23.
“We need him more than you can imagine,” the former model wrote while asking the court for a lenient prison sentence for her husband.
“I know he has been convicted of serious crimes. But the man I married has only been an extraordinary husband to me and a devoted father to our daughter,” Phillips added.
Masterson and Phillips have a daughter together, and the latter was said to be "terrified" of becoming a single mother.
Earlier, an insider said, “She has had a very difficult time since the conviction. She loves Danny and has no plans to file for divorce. She will be by his side for it all.”
