Bijou Phillips has filed a legal petition to change her daughter’s last name from Masterson to Phillips, in light of her ex-husband Danny Masterson’s recent conviction for the rape of two women. The petition, submitted to the court, seeks to change the name of their 11-year-old daughter, Fianna Francis Masterson, to Fianna Francis Phillips. This name alteration is now awaiting a judge’s approval.
Phillips and Masterson, who were married in 2011 after several years of dating, have one child together. Following Masterson’s sentencing in September 2023, Phillips filed for divorce, and both parties were declared legally single on the same day. Masterson was convicted in May 2023 of two counts of rape and is facing a prison sentence ranging from 30 years to life. Initially charged in 2020 with three counts of rape, one of the charges resulted in a hung jury.
Interestingly, during Masterson’s trial, Phillips demonstrated support for him by writing a character letter ahead of his sentencing, referring to him as “an amazing father” and expressing how heartbroken their family was due to his incarceration. Despite the current situation, she mentioned that Masterson still maintains contact with their daughter, assisting her with homework daily.
In a recent conversation, Phillips shared insights about her and her daughter’s journey, describing their relationship as a “great little team.” Her resilience in the face of these difficult circumstances highlights the strong bond they share as they adapt to life post-divorce. The decision to change her daughter’s surname reflects Phillips’ desire to carve out a new identity for both herself and her child moving forward, and it emphasizes how significant legal matters can reshape family dynamics.
As the legal proceedings continue, there is a sense of hope for Phillips and her daughter to cultivate a positive and nurturing future, serving as a testament to their strength and unity in navigating the challenges ahead. This new chapter reinforces their capacity for growth and adaptation amid adversity.