Danny Masterson's wife Bijou Phillips files for divorce as he's jailed for rape
The wife of disgraced That 70s Show actor Danny Masterson has filed for a divorce just 12 days after he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for raping two women.
Masterson, 47, was jailed three months after he was was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women in 2003. Throughout the case, wife Bijou Phillips, 43, stayed by his side. However, it's said she has now filed divorce papers to bring their 12-year marriage to an end.
TMZ reports that Bijou made the official filing on Monday in a California court. The pair had first met in 2004, before tying the knot in 2011. They share one daughter together.
Bijou Phillips has filed for a divorceMasterson was sentenced earlier this month after days of deliberation in May led to a jury finding the actor guilty of the crimes. The assaults occurred in 2003; during which time he was actively filming the series. Masterson was also alleged to have raped a third woman. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on the third allegation and the charges were dismissed.
As the judge in the case handed down the verdict, she said: "Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person's choice and voice. Your actions 20 years ago today were criminal, and that's why you are here."
It's said Bijou was visibly distraught as the sentencing was announced. Masterson reportedly didn't react, but did blow his wife a kiss as he was escorted away to the cells.
That '70s Show actor Danny Masterson drugged and raped women, says prosecutor
Danny Masterson and Bijou Phillips first met in 2004 and married in 2011 (FilmMagic)Originally, the case against Masterson had been ruled to be a mistrial in December 2022. A number of Masterson's former co-stars on That 70s Show have faced criticism for offer letters of support prior to his sentencing.
Among them were Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, who have since apologised for their actions. Both Kutcher and Kunis had penned letters vouching for the disgraced actor and convicted rapist before his sentencing, documents show, in which Kutcher referred to Masterson as a "role model". Kunis also commended his "exceptional character".
But following the backlash, the pair uploaded a video to Instagram to say sorry to anyone they may have offended with their actions. Kutcher began the statement: "We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters that we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson."
Kunis then added: "We support all victims. We have done this historically through all our work and will continue to do so in the future."
If you have been affected by this story, contact Rape Crisis England & Wales for free confidential support and information on 08088029999 or their website or 08088010302 if you're calling from Scotland.
You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414 if you are in Ireland.
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