Actor and model Bijou Phillips has filed divorce from Danny Masterson after the That ’70s Show actor was sentenced to 30-years to life in prison for the 2003 rape of two women.
The surprise divorce filing was submitted on Monday in Santa Barbara, contradicting the expectations set by numerous headlines following Masterson’s sentencing. These headlines had suggested that Phillips would continue to support her husband as she had throughout his lengthy legal battles.
“Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time. Her priority remains with her daughter. This period has been unimaginably hard on the marriage and family. Mr. Masterson was always present for Ms. Phillips during her most difficult times of her life. Ms. Phillips acknowledges that Mr. Masterson is a wonderful father to their daughter,” stated Phillips’ lawyer, Peter Lauzon, to the Hollywood Reporter.
On September 7, Masterson received a 30-year to life prison sentence for the rapes of two former members of the Church of Scientology at his Hollywood Hills residence in the early 2000s. Throughout the trial, the women provided harrowing accounts of violent assaults that occurred after they were served drinks that swiftly left them disoriented.
Masterson, who will be eligible for parole in approximately 25 years at the age of 72, has consistently denied the allegations. Representing him, attorney Shawn Holley stated that the actor intends to appeal the conviction based on several substantial evidentiary and constitutional concerns.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter