Title: Actress Bijou Phillips Files for Divorce from Danny Masterson After His Recent Rape Conviction
Date: [Current Date]
Source: BBC News
US actress Bijou Phillips has reportedly filed for divorce from her husband, actor Danny Masterson, less than two weeks after Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for two rapes. The couple had been married for 12 years and share a child together.
According to documents seen by US media, Ms Phillips, 43, cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the divorce. Her lawyer, Peter Lauzon, confirmed the divorce filing and stated that her priority remains with their child.
Masterson, 47, who gained fame for his role in the hit TV show That ’70s Show, was found guilty by a jury in May on two of three rape counts. Two women testified that Masterson had drugged their drinks and violently assaulted them in 2003. Jurors were deadlocked on each count last year, resulting in a mistrial.
Throughout her husband’s lengthy trials, Ms Phillips stood by him, describing him as a “life-saving partner” in a letter to the judge before his sentencing. However, the recent conviction and sentencing seem to have taken a toll on their relationship.
The divorce petition, reportedly filed on Monday in Santa Barbara Superior Court, requests full legal and physical custody of their child, as well as spousal support. It also seeks to terminate the court’s ability to grant support to Masterson and asks for the division of assets as separate property.
Attorneys for both parties have yet to comment on the divorce filing. Masterson’s former co-stars, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, also faced backlash after sending letters to the judge in support of leniency for Masterson. They later apologized for their actions.
The fallout from Masterson’s conviction extends beyond his personal life. Ashton Kutcher has stepped down from Thorn, a charity he founded to combat child sexual abuse, in light of the situation.
The divorce proceedings come at a tumultuous time for the couple, and the public awaits further updates regarding the legal and personal implications this may have on their lives.
Note: All information in this article is based on reports and documents seen by US media. The BBC has reached out to attorneys for comments, but they have not responded at the time of reporting.
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