Actor Danny Masterson (47), who was convicted of two counts of rape, will probably spend many years in prison. His estranged wife Bijou Phillips (43), who has filed for divorce, is now to be awarded full custody of their daughter. Masterson agreed, reports the US celebrity portal “TMZ”, citing available court documents.
Masterson is asking for visitation rights, which could only be implemented under the supervision of prison officials if the court agrees. The actor, who is known, among other things, for his role in the sitcom “The Wild Seventies”, lists the date for the separation as September 15, 2023. The sentence had been announced around a week earlier.
Masterson was found guilty in May. A twelve-member jury found it proven that he raped two women in 2003. He was also accused of a third case, but the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict in this case. The 47-year-old claimed that the sexual acts were consensual and denied the allegations. The sentence of 30 years to life imprisonment was announced in September.
Phillips, who has been married to Masterson since 2011, is said to have been present in the courtroom for the announcement. She finally filed for divorce in Santa Barbara, California, on September 18, according to court documents obtained by People magazine. She cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the separation.
According to the documents, in addition to custody of her child, she is also demanding spousal support. “Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband at this unfortunate time. Her priority remains her daughter,” Phillips’ attorney said in a statement.
