In a significant turn of events, Bijou Phillips, aged 43, has filed for divorce from Danny Masterson, 47, as revealed by court documents dated September 18. This decision comes shortly after Danny’s sentencing to 30 years in prison for two counts of rape on September 7, marking the end of their 12-year marriage.
Request for Spousal Support
Within her divorce filing, Bijou seeks spousal support from Danny, indicating the complexities of their separation. Her request also includes the termination of the court’s ability to grant support to Danny.
Additionally, Bijou has expressed her desire for full legal and physical custody of their 9-year-old daughter, Fianna Francis, while permitting Danny visitation rights.
Legal Matters
Bijou has also made requests for Danny to cover her attorney fees and advocated for the equitable division of their assets by the court, designating them as separate property. This stance suggests that the former couple did not have a prenuptial agreement in place at the time of their marriage’s dissolution.
Timing of Separation
Remarkably, the court documents do not specify the official separation date of Bijou and Danny, adding an element of intrigue to their divorce proceedings. This detail underscores the emotional complexities involved in their decision to part ways.
Difficult Decision
Bijou’s formal divorce filing comes almost two weeks after Danny’s incarceration, reflecting the profound personal challenges that both parties have faced during this period. In an official statement to TMZ on September 19, Bijou’s lawyer, Peter A.
Lauzon, acknowledged the hardship surrounding the marriage and emphasized her unwavering priority as their daughter, Fianna Francis.
Shared Belief System
Both Danny and Bijou are known Scientologists and have exhibited a united front throughout Danny’s legal trials, which began in 2017. Bijou stood by his side during his trial on multiple rape charges, even after his conviction on two counts in May 2023.
Their shared beliefs and unwavering support characterized their relationship during these tumultuous times.
Unexpected Turn
However, the marriage ultimately reached its tipping point after Danny’s sentencing to 15 years to life on each of the two rape counts on September 7 in Los Angeles. Bijou chose to keep her thoughts on the matter private, refraining from public statements regarding her spouse’s sentencing.
Love Story
Bijou and Danny exchanged vows in 2011 and welcomed their only child in February 2014. Despite the challenges they faced, the couple remained committed to their relationship.
In fact, just four days before Bijou filed for divorce, sources close to the situation indicated that she had initially no intentions of ending the marriage. Her decision to stay by Danny’s side during his trials underscored her deep love for him and the difficulty of parting ways.
Navigating the Future
As the legal proceedings unfold and the complexities of their separation continue to surface, the divorce of Bijou Phillips and Danny Masterson highlights the intricate dynamics of relationships, especially in the midst of adversity.
Their journey serves as a testament to the enduring bonds formed through love and shared experiences.
