Danny Masterson’s wife sought child support from the convicted rapist, requested full custody of their child and asked the court to divide their assets, according to divorce documents which indicate the couple did not have a contract of marriage.
Bijou Phillips, 43, filed for divorce from the That ’70s actor, 47, in a California court on Monday, just days after he was jailed for 30 years for raping two women.
Bijou, who shares nine-year-old daughter Fianna with Masterson, is demanding that she receive child support from the actor and that he pay her legal fees, according to the filing.
The actress, married to Masterson for nearly 12 years, also requested to “terminate the court’s ability to award alimony” to the actor, according to documents viewed by People.
Under California law, the court retains jurisdiction over the issue of spousal support, meaning that at any time in the future, Masterson could seek spousal support. But Bijou’s request to end the court’s jurisdiction would mean the convicted rapist could never seek help if it were granted.
Bijou, a Scientologist with Masterson, also requested that he be granted full legal and physical custody of their daughter Fianna, given that Masterson will potentially be behind bars for the rest of his life. But the actress said she would allow their daughter to visit her in prison.
She also asked the court to divide the couple’s assets, pointing out that they had never signed a prenuptial agreement.
Danny Masterson’s (left) wife, Bijou Phillips (right), sought child support from the convicted rapist, requested full custody of their child and asked the court to divide their assets, according to court filings. divorce which indicate that the couple did not have a marriage contract.
Danny Masterson’s wife Bijou Phillips has filed for divorce, less than two weeks after being sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape. (Pictured: The couple arriving together at court for their trial)
Father daughter: The couple share one child, a nine-year-old daughter called Fianna Francis
The couple began dating in 2004 after meeting at a poker tournament in Las Vegas, and they got engaged in 2009 before saying “I do” at a castle in Ireland in 2011.
This comes after Masterson was put behind bars last week three months after he was found guilty of assaulting two women in 2003. Bijou remained by his side during the trial.
Masterson had two tries. His first, six months earlier, resulted in a mistrial after another jury found itself hopelessly deadlocked on the three rape charges.
He was released on $3.3 million bail in both cases, but that freedom ended with his double conviction on May 31.
The actor has since been locked up in the notorious Central Men’s Prison in downtown Los Angeles.
Bijou, who faithfully supported her husband of 12 years throughout his two sexual assault trials, was consoled by her brother-in-law Jordan Masterson after the sentencing last week.
Her lawyer, Peter A. Lauzon, said the case had been “incredibly hard on the marriage and the family.”
‘MS. Phillips decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time,” Lauzon said in a statement seen by TMZ.
“His priority remains with his daughter. This time has been incredibly hard on marriage and family.
‘Mr. Masterson was always there for Ms. Phillips during the most difficult times of her life.
‘MS. Phillips acknowledges that Mr. Masterson is a wonderful father to their daughter.
Phillips began sobbing in court as her husband and father of her young daughter was sentenced to 30 years in prison for raping two women.
The couple began dating in 2004 after meeting at a poker tournament in Las Vegas, and they got engaged in 2009 before saying “I do” in a castle wedding ceremony in Ireland in 2011.
Bijou reportedly said the date of their separation was “to be determined,” citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their divorce, according to independent journalist Yashar Ali.
She has requested spousal support and attorney’s fees and wants her legal name to change back to Phillips rather than Masterson.
Bijou will have custody of their daughter as planned given Masterson will potentially be behind bars for the rest of his life – but Ali said she will allow their daughter to visit him in prison.
A devoted former wife, she accompanied Masterson during his trials as a show of solidarity with the now disgraced actor.
Appearing to believe his protests of innocence, she even sent a letter to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo asking for leniency before sentencing.
In his letter, obtained by DailyMail.com, Bijou claimed that Masterson was a “saving” partner who devoted himself to farming to support his family when accusations about him began to emerge and he lost his acting career.
Phillips wore a large pair of dark glasses at times during testimony to hide his emotions.
New future: Bijou accepts the prospect of raising her child alone
In May, Masterson was convicted of two of three rape charges, but the jury was hung on the third, which involved the rape of a former longtime girlfriend.
She also highlighted Masterson’s aversion to drugs – a tenet common to Scientology – and his apparent dedication to helping young actors escape the downfalls of wealth and fame.
But as she heard heartbreaking testimony from her victims in court during a harrowing trial, Bijou appears to have reconsidered her marriage.
The victims, known in court as Jane Doe #1, #2 and #3, not only focused on the disturbing details of the sexual assaults, but also described how they were bullied and pushed out of their community while that the Church of Scientology was punishing them. speaking out against the That 70s Show star.
While Masterton was convicted of raping the first two, the jury was deadlocked on a third charge for the rape of Jane Doe #3, who is his ex-girlfriend Chrissie Carnell-Bixler.
Bijou wore a large pair of dark glasses at times during testimony to hide her emotions.
Masterson didn’t react to his conviction – but he did kiss Bijou as he was escorted to the slammer.
But Bijou sobbed as she sat among a grim group of Scientology friends and family in the public gallery. At one point, she held a tissue to her face.
Phillips’ attorney, Peter A. Lauzon, said the case had been “incredibly difficult on the marriage and the family.”
Masterson kissed Bijou in the courtroom when he was sentenced to 30 years in prison
A close friend revealed to DailyMail.com at the time that Bijou felt like she was “crying death” while awaiting her husband’s sentencing.
“Currently, Bijou revolves around the sewers and is filled with all emotion and no emotion at all,” they said.
“She’s a shell of who she used to be. She is really trying to be strong for her daughter as she tries to figure out life and what it will be like for her.
“It can only be compared to a divorce or death for her to not be able to be with Danny like they were.”