Danny Masterson’s estranged wife, Bijou Phillips, and their daughter, Fianna, visited the disgraced actor in prison for the first time since he began his 30-year sentence behind bars.
The mother of one, 43, was photographed walking into the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo alongside the 10-year-old on Saturday — just three days after the convicted rapist’s 48th birthday.
Phillips, who shielded her face with dark sunglasses, looked solemn as she and Fianna entered the facility, according to photos obtained by the Daily Mail.
The “Raising Hope” alum dressed casually in a green crewneck with yellow trousers, carrying her daughter’s gray sweatshirt and a pile of paperwork in one arm.
The mother-daughter duo looked downcast as they went into the prison to wish Masterson a happy belated birthday, according to photos obtained by the Daily Mail. SplashNews.com Masterson turned 48 on March 13. Getty ImagesExplore More
Masterson was found guilty on two of three rape counts in May 2023 and was handed down his decades-long sentence in September.
Before his sentencing, Phillips called Masterson her “life-saving partner” in a pleading letter to the judge presiding over his case
“We need him more than you can imagine. I know he has been convicted of serious crimes,” Phillips wrote, “but the man I married has only been an extraordinary husband to me and a devoted father to our daughter.”
Despite being in jail, she noted that Masterson still played a huge role in their daughter’s development, calling the tween every night to help with her homework and teach “her math with kindness and patience”
The “That ’70s Show” alum was found guilty on two counts of rape last year. POOL/AFP via Getty Images He was later sentenced to 30 years to life in jail. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images“She is far above grade level in all subjects, reading three grades above her own, and that is thanks to the guidance and attention of her father.”
Regardless of Philipps’ plea — along with character letters from other celebrities like Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher — Masterson was still sentenced to serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars for raping two women in 2003.
In the wake of the judge’s decision, the actress filed for divorce from the “Ranch” actor, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Her attorney told TMZ, “Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time. Her priority remains with her daughter.”
Phillips called Masterson “an extraordinary husband” and “a devoted father” in a letter to the judge before his sentencing. Getty Images for Samsung However, she filed for divorce in September 2023. Carolyn Contino/BEI/ShutterstockDespite initial reports that the former Scientologist was planning to stay with the disgraced actor, friends of the actress reportedly convinced her to sever ties with Masterson to protect Fianna.
“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 the Daily Mail in September.
“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.”
For more Page Six you love…
She was also given full legal and physical custody of Fianna. dannymasterson/Instagram Despite the turbulent year, Phillips told E! News last month that she was doing “good.” Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Phillips, who stood by Masterson’s side throughout the trial, was given full legal and physical custody of their daughter.
The mother-daughter duo has tried to navigate their new normal in the months since Masterson started his prison sentence. In February, Phillips told E! News that she was “doing good” despite the difficult year.
The actress noted that she and Fianna make a “great little team.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
