Bijou Phillips filed for divorce from Danny Masterson to 'make an example' for daughter: 'People need to be held accountable'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bijou Philips, who stood firmly behind her now-convicted husband Danny Masterson during his trial, recently filed for divorce.
The actress who has asked for spousal support, and full custody of their only daughter, Fianna, also wishes to secure her assets amid his conviction, as per a close source.
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Bijou filed for divorce to set example for her daughter
“A few reasons she has sought a divorce are twofold. Recently friends and family have told her to be a mom first and to consider divorce because it really shows her daughter that eventually people need to be held accountable for what they do, even if it is someone they love,” an insider told Daily Mail.
The source added, “Bijou also is doing it to protect her assets and protect her future. She doesn't want to lose money and land and housing over a future civil lawsuit against Danny, she is looking to protect her future and that is one big reason she has pursued divorce.”
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In the court document, Philips cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for wanting the divorce from Masterson.
The source also pointed out that she has always admired his parenting ability. “Bijou will never say anything negative about Danny's parenting skills, he is incredible in that department.”
“Bijou loves Danny, always will, and really hopes that his sentence is eventually lessened and or reversed.'
The 43-year-old has been spotted with various friends and family members, socializing in public.
In her court filing, she also requested the judiciary to divide up the couple's assets, which likely means that they never went for a prenuptial agreement.
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Bijou always admired Masterson's parenting skills
"Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time," Bijou’s attorney Peter A Lauzon said in a statement to TMZ. “Her priority remains with her daughter. This period has been unimaginably hard on the marriage and the family,” he added.
“Mr. Masterson was always present for Ms. Phillips during her most difficult times of her life.”
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“Ms. Phillips acknowledges that Mr. Masterson is a wonderful father to their daughter.”
The 47-year-old actor was sentenced to 30 years in jail on September 7, as the decision came months after he was already found guilty by the court of raping victims Jen B and N Trout in his Hollywood apartment back in 2003.
The 45-year-old Masterson pleaded not guilty during his trial and denied raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003.