In a dramatic move following her husband's imprisonment, Bijou Phillips has taken legal action to distance their young daughter from the tarnished Masterson name. The former That '70s Show actor is currently serving a 30-year sentence for multiple rape convictions.
A Mother's Protective Measures
Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com reveal that Phillips filed paperwork on September 18th seeking to change their daughter's surname. The filing comes as part of ongoing divorce proceedings initiated just weeks after Masterson's sentencing last year.
The documents state Phillips' intention to "protect the child's best interests" and shield her from the "negative associations" connected to her father's criminal conviction and subsequent imprisonment.
Timing of the Divorce
Phillips, 43, officially filed for divorce from Masterson in December 2023, mere months after he began his lengthy prison term. The couple had been married since 2011 and share one daughter together.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Phillips had remained supportive throughout Masterson's legal battles but ultimately decided to separate following his conviction.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The name change request represents the latest development in what has become a highly publicised and emotionally charged separation. Legal experts suggest such measures are increasingly common in cases where one parent faces serious criminal convictions.
Phillips' legal team has emphasised that the decision focuses entirely on the child's welfare and future wellbeing, rather than reflecting on the parental relationship itself.
As the divorce proceedings continue through the Los Angeles court system, observers note that Phillips appears determined to create a fresh start for herself and her daughter, far removed from the shadow of Masterson's crimes and conviction.
