Wife of ‘That ’70’s Show’ rapist wants divorce
Bijou Phillips, estranged wife of Danny Masterson, decided to divorce him after his sentencing.
Earlier this week, she filed for divorce in the Santa Barbara court in the US.
The petition for divorce comes after Masterson, known for his role in That ’70’s show was found guilty of two of three counts of rape in May this year, and earlier this month was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
There were initially rumors that she did not want to divorce him, but in a turnaround she did take the decision to end their 11-year marriage.
Peter Lauzon, Phillips’ lawyer, said in a recent statement that her main focus was on her and Masterson’s 9-year-old daughter, Fianna. He also said that Masterson “is a wonderful father,” and that she hopes that the family’s privacy will be respected at this time.
The reason for divorce was marked as “irreconcilable differences” on the court documents. She demands that Fianna be placed in her care from now on, and that her and Masterson’s assets be divided.
An application was also made to halt further support to Masterson.
Three women, all former members of the Church of Scientology, accused Masterson of sexual crimes. He is also known as a prominent member of this church.
The assaults allegedly took place between 2001 and 2003 in his Hollywood home. Prosecutors argued that this church threatened one of Masterson’s victims with suspension, forced her to accept money and sign a document promising not to talk about the incident.
Tongues clucked on social media after it was revealed who had all written and submitted letters in support of Masterson. People who wrote letters include Masterson’s That ’70’s Show-co-stars Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty) and Kurtwood Smith (Red) in.
The letters were published by legal reporter Meghann Cuniff.
Kutcher and Kunis had to be especially vocal about their letters, and even shared a video on social media in which they said sorry for any damage they caused.
In Kutcher’s letter, he calls Masterson his role model, and writes that he is “extraordinarily honest” and that Masterson is “one of the few people I would allow alone with my son and daughter.”
Kunis wrote that Masterson has an “exceptional character” and was a “hugely positive influence” on her.
Watch Kutcher and Kunis’ apology video here:
