Bijou Phillips is taking significant steps concerning her daughter’s future amidst challenging circumstances. The actress, renowned for her role in “Almost Famous,” is seeking to change her daughter’s last name. This move comes as Danny Masterson, Fianna Francis Masterson’s father, faces legal and personal turmoil.
Bijou Phillips Files for Name Change
According to court documents obtained by E! News on October 25, Phillips filed a petition to legally change her 11-year-old daughter’s name. The proposed change aims to adjust her daughter’s name to Fianna Francis Phillips, thereby replacing her former husband Danny Masterson’s last name with her own. This decision comes as Masterson is serving a sentence of 30 years to life in prison following his conviction for two counts of rape.
Legal and Personal Context
The name change request has arisen amidst a backdrop of legal drama. Danny Masterson, known for his role in “That ‘70s Show,” was arrested in 2020 on charges of forcibly raping three women in separate incidents that occurred between 2001 and 2003 at his Los Angeles residence. After a mistrial in 2022, Masterson was convicted of two counts in May 2023, although the jury could not reach a verdict on a third count. Bijou Phillips’ decision reflects a desire to distance Fianna from these events.
Seeking Peace Amidst Turmoil
E! News has attempted to contact representatives for both Phillips and Masterson for further comments, but no responses have been received. The name change for Fianna represents a significant step by Bijou Phillips in navigating this complex period, choosing to shield her daughter from the negative connotations associated with Masterson’s ongoing legal issues.
The name change underscores Bijou Phillips’ commitment to her daughter’s well-being, attempting to carve out a new identity for Fianna amidst these trying times. This decision to legally alter Fianna’s last name highlights the challenges faced by families dealing with public legal battles and personal reinvention.
