What were the charges against Bijou Phillips ex-husband Danny? Details explored as model appeals the court to drop Masterson from daughter's name

Bijou Phillips' ex-husband, Danny Masterson, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison back in 2023. He was charged with r*ping three women between 2001 to 2003. At the time of his crime, he was still a part of the American sitcom That '70s Show.

Danny Masterson's crimes were kept hidden for a long time because of his status as a Scientologist. According to the BBC, the Church of Scientology has a hand in covering up Masterson's crimes, an accusation they vehemently denied. According to the testimony, he drugged the women before sexually assaulting them. The women were also a part of the Church of Scientology at the time of their assault.

Masterson was accused of rape since 2017, but has always denied the claims. During the trials, Danny's lawyer claimed that he was innocent, saying:

"Obviously, Mr Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year-old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out."

Bijou Phillips stood by her husband and supported him despite the accusations. She even called him an "amazing father" in a letter she wrote to the judge before he was sentenced.

Bijou Phillips requests a name change for her daughter

American model and former actress Bijou Phillips has appealed to the court to change her daughter's last name. Phillips and Masterson got married in 2011 and welcomed their first child, Fianna Francis Masterson, in 2017.

While Danny is serving time in prison after the r*pe charges, she has filed to change her daughter's last name from Masterson to Phillips.

Right before Danny was sentenced to prison, Bijou Phillips even called her husband and her daughter's relationship "inseparable."

However, after the sentencing, Phillips decided to part ways with her husband. The decision came after insider sources told Daily Mail that Phillips' friends and family encouraged her to separate from Danny. The reason being that she needs to show her daughter that:

"eventually people need to be held accountable for what they do, even if it is someone they love."

Trending

Bijou Phillips' decision to change her daughter's last name is a clear step toward distancing herself and her child from Danny Masterson's past. After standing by him for years, she is now choosing to prioritize her daughter's well-being and future.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback