Bijou Phillips Takes Legal Steps to Remove Masterson Name from Daughter Amid Actor’s Prison Sentence

In a significant move to distance her family from the shadow of controversy surrounding her estranged husband, actor Danny Masterson, Bijou Phillips has filed a petition to legally change the last name of their 11-year-old daughter.

The petition, filed on October 24, 2025, seeks to remove “Masterson” from her daughter Fianna’s legal name, replacing it with Phillips, her mother’s surname.

This legal step comes amid the ongoing fallout from Masterson’s high-profile conviction and imprisonment.

Phillips, who is 45 years old and a notable figure in her own right as the daughter of Mamas & the Papas frontman John Phillips and actress Genevieve Waite, is navigating the complexities of family and public scrutiny.

The filing to change Fianna’s last name is currently pending judicial approval, marking yet another chapter in the family’s efforts to move forward from the turmoil linked to Masterson’s legal troubles.

Background: The Masterson Conviction and Its Impact

Danny Masterson, 49, best known for his role on the popular television series That ’70s Show, is currently serving a prison sentence at North Kern State Prison in Delano, California.

This follows his 2023 conviction on charges of raping two women, a verdict that came after a highly publicized retrial.

The conviction has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the public alike, given the serious nature of the charges and Masterson’s previous public persona.

In September 2023, Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after being found guilty on two counts of forcible rape.

The charges stemmed from incidents that allegedly occurred between 2001 and 2003 at his residence in Hollywood Hills.

Initially facing up to 45 years, the sentence reflects the gravity of the crimes and the court’s stance on sexual violence.

Masterson’s legal team has since filed an appeal challenging the conviction, citing procedural and substantive errors that they argue compromised the fairness of the trial.

Despite these efforts, Masterson remains incarcerated, and the legal battle continues.

Bijou Phillips’ Legal Actions: Divorce and Custody

Following Masterson’s conviction, Bijou Phillips filed for divorce, ending their 12-year marriage.

The divorce filing came shortly after the verdict was announced, signaling Phillips’ desire to legally separate herself and their daughter from Masterson’s troubled legacy.

In addition to the petition to change Fianna’s last name, Phillips has also sought sole physical and legal custody of their daughter.

Court documents reveal that Masterson requested Phillips be granted custody, but the specifics of custody arrangements remain under judicial consideration.

Phillips has also requested spousal support, a move that underscores the practical and financial realities faced by families undergoing such public and painful separations.

These legal steps are part of Phillips’ broader effort to protect her daughter’s well-being and establish a stable family environment away from the negative associations tied to Masterson.

Public and Media Reaction

The media coverage surrounding the case has been intense, with numerous outlets following every development closely.

The decision by Phillips to remove Masterson’s name from their daughter’s legal identity has been viewed by many as a poignant and understandable response to the circumstances.

Public sympathy largely aligns with Phillips and her daughter, recognizing the challenges of growing up in the shadow of a parent’s criminal conviction, especially one involving such serious allegations.

The name change symbolizes a desire to shield Fianna from stigma and to help her forge an identity separate from the notoriety linked to her father.

The Broader Context: Celebrity and Legal Controversy

This case is emblematic of a broader cultural moment where the private lives of celebrities intersect dramatically with public justice.

The #MeToo movement and increasing awareness of sexual violence have led to heightened scrutiny of public figures accused of such crimes.

Masterson’s case, with its retrial and conviction, reflects the evolving landscape of accountability in Hollywood.

It also highlights the personal costs borne by families caught in the crossfire of legal and media battles.

Bijou Phillips’ actions can be seen as part of a growing trend where family members of accused or convicted individuals seek to protect their own identities and futures by legally distancing themselves from the accused.

Legal Process and Next Steps

The petition to change Fianna’s last name is currently pending before a judge, who will consider the best interests of the child in making a decision.

Name changes for minors often require demonstrating that the change benefits the child’s welfare, including emotional and social factors.

If approved, the change will legally remove the Masterson surname from Fianna’s identity, allowing her to carry her mother’s last name exclusively.

This legal change can have significant implications for Fianna’s sense of self and public perception.

Meanwhile, the divorce proceedings and custody arrangements continue to be addressed in court.

Both Phillips and Masterson’s legal teams remain active, with Masterson’s appeal process ongoing.

Personal Reflections and Family Dynamics

Bijou Phillips’ decision to file for the name change and seek sole custody reflects a mother’s protective instincts amid difficult circumstances.

It also speaks to the complex emotions involved in disentangling family relationships from public scandal.

Phillips, who has her own legacy in entertainment and the arts, is now focused on ensuring that her daughter’s upbringing is as normal and secure as possible.

The name change is not merely a legal formality but a symbolic step toward reclaiming identity and stability.

Conclusion: Moving Forward Amid Challenges

The story of Bijou Phillips and Danny Masterson is a stark reminder of how public figures’ private lives can unravel under the weight of serious allegations and legal consequences.

For Phillips and her daughter Fianna, the journey toward healing and normalcy involves difficult but necessary legal steps.

By seeking to remove the Masterson name from her daughter’s identity, Phillips is taking a firm stand to protect her family’s future.

The pending court decisions will shape the next phase of their lives, but the determination to move forward is clear.

As the legal appeals and family proceedings unfold, the public will continue to watch closely.

Meanwhile, Bijou Phillips’ actions underscore the importance of safeguarding children’s welfare in the midst of public controversy and personal upheaval.