Story perspectives

Bijou Phillips Seeks Name Change for Daughter Post-Masterson Conviction

10/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Bijou Phillips filed a California court request to change her daughter Fianna's last name from Masterson to Phillips.
The move follows Danny Masterson's September 2023 conviction for rape and his 30-to-life prison sentence.
Phillips, 45, initially supported Masterson but has distanced herself to protect Fianna and her financial future.
The couple married in 2011 and have been legally declared single, and a judge has yet to approve the name change.

History

Historical Context

California's Rape Shield Law, enacted in 1975, aimed to protect sexual assault victims by limiting the admissibility of their sexual history in court. This legislation, supported by groups like the California Women's Law Center, marked a significant shift in societal attitudes towards survivors. Bijou Phillips' recent name change request for her daughter from Masterson underscores ongoing challenges for families of convicted offenders, highlighting the law's enduring relevance in discussions about victim rights.

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Story summary

Bijou Phillips filed a California court request to change her daughter Fianna's last name from Masterson to Phillips.
The move follows Danny Masterson's September 2023 conviction for rape and his 30-to-life prison sentence.
Phillips, 45, initially supported Masterson but has distanced herself to protect Fianna and her financial future.
The couple married in 2011 and have been legally declared single, and a judge has yet to approve the name change.

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