Bijou Phillips files for divorce from Danny Masterson after his 30-year prison sentence

Bijou Phillips, the wife of American actor Danny Masterson, has filed for divorce from her husband just days after Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women. Phillips and Masterson had been married for nearly 12 years, having tied the knot in 2011, and they have a 9-year-old daughter.

American actress and model, Bijou Phillips, made the decision to end her marriage with That '70s Show alum Danny Masterson when she filed for divorce on September 18th, Monday, in Santa Barbara County Court, California.

This news comes less than two weeks after Danny Masterson, aged 47, received a 30-year to life prison sentence for the rape of two women. Bijou had stood by Masterson's side throughout his rape trial and re-trial, even accompanying him to his sentencing hearing. He was found guilty on two counts of forcible rape against two women who were former members of the Church of Scientology.

READ MORE | That '70s Show's Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years in prison for raping two women 

Details about the divorce 

• Bijou Phillips' attorney, Peter A Lauzon, told TMZ, "Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time. Her priority remains with her daughter."

• He further added, "This period has been unimaginably hard on the marriage and the family. Mr. Masterson was always present for Ms. Phillips during the most difficult times of her life. Ms. Phillips acknowledges that Mr. Masterson is a wonderful father to their daughter."

• According to the court documents obtained by Page Six, Phillips listed the date of separation as "TBD," which means to be determined. The reason behind filing for divorce was cited as "irreconcilable differences."

• Also, as per the court documents, she is seeking spousal support, attorney's fees, and a restoration of her legal name to Bijou Phillips. She has requested that any financial support for her husband be denied.

• Bijou wants legal and physical custody of their 9-year-old daughter, Fianna Francis, and she's willing to allow visitation for Danny Masterson.

READ MORE | Ashton Kutcher's past comments about underage girls resurface amid support for Danny Masterson

Bijou Phillip's letter of support in the rape case

Days before filing for divorce from Danny, Bijou Phillips, 43, wrote a support letter to the judge ahead of Masterson's sentencing, advocating for a lighter sentence and pleading for leniency.

• She called him a "life-saving partner to me."

• "Our daughter and I are heartbroken that he is not home with us," Phillips wrote to the judge in the letter. "It has been very difficult without him here. Even though he is now in jail, he calls her every day. He helps her with homework every night. He teaches her math with kindness and patience."

• She further wrote, "We need him more than you can imagine. I know he has been convicted of serious crimes. But the man I married has only been an extraordinary husband to me and a devoted father to our daughter."

The former couple met in 2004, got engaged in 2009, and tied the knot in October 2011. Their daughter, Fianna Francis, aged 9, was born in 2014.