Danny Masterson’s ex-wife petitions to change their daughter’s last name.
Danny Masterson’s ex-wife, Bijou Phillips, has taken legal steps to dissociate her daughter from the convicted rapist by requesting a court to alter the child’s last name. Court documents obtained by Media News Source indicate that Phillips is seeking to change the name of their 11-year-old daughter, Fianna Masterson, to Fianna Phillips. This request signifies a proactive move by Phillips to further distance herself and her child from Masterson, who has been embroiled in a high-profile criminal case.
The legal petition is pending approval by a judge. However, Phillips experienced a significant legal victory recently when a judge granted her estranged husband and her the status of being legally single. This development comes as a part of ongoing divorce proceedings initiated by Phillips in September 2023, shortly after Masterson was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for two counts of forcible rape.
Masterson, who is 49 years old, was sentenced to a prison term of 30 years to life following his conviction for raping two women at his Hollywood-area home in 2003, a time when he was at the height of his fame as a star of the television series “That ’70s Show.” While he faced multiple allegations, including claims from a former girlfriend, one of these accusations was ultimately dismissed without a unanimous jury verdict. His convictions followed a previous mistrial, raising the profile of the case and further intensifying scrutiny on both Masterson and Phillips.
Masterson and Phillips, who began their relationship in 2004 and tied the knot in 2011, welcomed their daughter into the world in 2014. Following the fallout from the legal troubles, Phillips’ attorney highlighted her commitment to prioritize their daughter’s well-being during this tumultuous period. The attorney expressed that this time has been incredibly challenging for both Phillips and her family, emphasizing Masterson’s presence in their lives during past difficulties and recognizing him as a devoted father.
In a significant move reflective of ongoing tensions, Masterson has reportedly signed over full legal and physical custody of Fianna to Phillips as of October 2023. In her divorce filing, Phillips is also seeking spousal support and requesting that the court eliminate Masterson’s entitlement to receive any support.
As the legal proceedings continue, both Phillips and Masterson navigate this complex situation, with the focus increasingly on the impact these changes will have on their daughter’s future.
