American actress and model Bijou Phillips has officially moved to remove her estranged husband Danny Masterson’s surname from their daughter’s name, marking another step in distancing her family from the disgraced actor.
According to TMZ, Phillips filed legal documents requesting that her 11-year-old daughter’s name be changed from Fianna Francis Masterson to Fianna Francis Phillips. The filing comes more than a year after Phillips, 45, filed for divorce from Masterson following his rape conviction in September 2023.
Phillips and Masterson, 49, were married in October 2011 and welcomed their only child, Fianna, in 2014. Despite Masterson’s legal troubles, Phillips stood by his side throughout his high-profile trial. The Raising Hope actress was often seen attending court sessions, holding hands with the That ’70s Show star.
Before Masterson’s sentencing, Phillips even wrote a heartfelt letter to the judge, calling him an “amazing father” and describing his bond with their daughter as “inseparable.” However, her support began to waver following his conviction.
Masterson, who has continued to maintain his innocence, was sentenced in September 2023 to 30 years to life in prison at North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, for two counts of rape dating back to 2003.
At the time, reports suggested Phillips was struggling to come to terms with the outcome. “Danny is adamant he did nothing wrong and Bijou believes him,” an insider told Daily Mail. However, the same source noted that friends and family had urged Phillips to distance herself for the sake of her daughter — and her own stability.
“They encouraged her to separate from Danny to show Fianna that accountability matters, even when it involves someone you love,” the insider said, adding that Phillips also wanted to protect her assets and future from potential civil lawsuits.
Phillips filed for divorce shortly after Masterson’s sentencing, officially ending their 12-year marriage.
The actress has since moved forward with her life — and her heart. She was spotted with new beau Jamie Mazur in June 2024, signaling a new beginning both personally and legally.
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