Bijou Phillips has initiated a legal request to change her daughter’s last name from Masterson to Phillips, following the conviction of her ex-husband, Danny Masterson, for the rape of two women. The application, filed in court, seeks to alter the name of their 11-year-old daughter, Fianna Francis Masterson, to Fianna Francis Phillips. Documents indicate that the change is pending approval from a judge.
The couple, married in 2011 after dating for several years, share one child together. Phillips filed for divorce shortly after Masterson’s sentencing, which occurred in September 2023. On the same day, both Phillips and Masterson were declared legally single. Masterson, who was convicted of two counts of rape in May 2023, faces a 30-year to life prison sentence for his crimes. The court had initially charged him in 2020 with raping three women, with one charge resulting in a hung jury.
Interestingly, Phillips had previously shown support for Masterson during his trial. In a character letter written for him ahead of sentencing, she described him as “an amazing father” and expressed her family’s heartbreak over his incarceration. Despite his absence, she noted that he maintains contact with their daughter, helping her with homework every day.
In a recent interview, Phillips reflected on her and her daughter’s journey, stating they form a “great little team.” Her resilience amid these challenging circumstances showcases the bond they share as they navigate life post-divorce. The decision to drop Masterson’s surname is emblematic of her desire to redefine their identity moving forward and underscores the impact of significant legal events on family structures.
As the legal processes unfold, there remains hope for both Phillips and her daughter to focus on a positive and supportive future, illustrating their strength in the face of adversity.