Danny Masterson's sentencing is all over the headlines, but there's one small detail you may
have missed. Here's a look at the meaningful gesture Masterson made to his wife in court.
After three women accused "That '70s Show" actor Danny Masterson of rape, his wife,
Bijou Phillips, stood by him. Masterson was convicted on two of the counts,
and Phillips showed up in court to silently support her husband when the high-profile
Scientologist was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison on September 7, 2023.
"I know these, um, victims have been waiting a long time for this day."
Phillips and Masterson got married in 2011, and Masterson's attorney, Shawn Holley, reminded
the judge that the couple have a child together before the sentencing was handed down, saying:
"It's his life that will be impacted by what you decide today, and the life of his
9-year-old daughter, who means the world to him, and to whom he means the world."
Masterson's victims also got the opportunity to address their
attacker face-to-face in the Los Angeles courtroom, with one of them telling him,
"When you raped me, you stole from me, That's what rape is, a theft of the spirit."
As she witnessed the proceedings and learned her husband's fate, Phillips reportedly looked
visibly upset and began crying behind her dark sunglasses at one point. According to People,
the "Almost Famous" actor previously got so emotional during her husband's trial that the
judge told her that she wouldn't be allowed to remain in the courtroom if she couldn't
compose herself. However, Masterson's demeanor was reportedly expressionless and controlled
during his sentencing hearing, save for when he turned his attention to his wife.
A courtroom sketch artist captured the moment Masterson placed his fingers to
his lips and looked at Bijou Phillips before blowing her a farewell kiss.
While he was apparently unmoved by his victims' statements about the pain he inflicted on them,
the way the artist drew his facial expression makes him appear distressed when he turns to
face one of the consequences of his behavior: the devastation it has caused his family.
An insider told the Daily Mail that Phillips believes that her husband is innocent and
was stunned when the guilty verdict was handed down. The source went on to say:
"Bijou is treating the results of the trial against her husband as a death."
She's also reportedly having a hard time grappling
with the reality that she'll now be raising their daughter on her own.
Phillips isn't the only celeb who took Masterson's side after he was found guilty of rape. According
to "Good Morning America," his "That '70s Show" co-stars Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher were
among those who wrote character reference letters about Masterson for the judge to consider ahead
of his sentencing. They praised his "exceptional character" and described him as a "role model."
"More than 50 letters on his behalf were sent to the judge."
Masterson's sentencing is undoubtedly taking an emotional toll on Bijou Phillips,
who is reportedly deeply concerned about her
husband's well-being in prison. An insider told the Daily Mail:
"Her other thoughts are a little more scary and morbid, she doesn't believe Danny will
harm himself in jail, but she is very worried someone will harm him or even kill him and
the stress that is bringing her is on its own level of stress that she never has felt before."
The source added that she will keep supporting her
husband and stay committed to raising their daughter.
Following his sentencing, Masterson is being carefully monitored in jail before being moved
to prison. TMZ reported that he is on 24-hour video watch with deputies checking up on him
every half-hour. The purpose is to keep a close eye on the actor's mental condition
and ensure that he's safe. If Masterson appears to be suffering psychologically,
he will reportedly undergo a mental health exam immediately.
In spite of Masterson's conviction,
Bijou Phillips has shown unwavering loyalty. Prior to his September 7 court proceeding,
Phillips praised her husband in a letter to the judge. Per the Independent, she wrote:
"I can say that Danny has literally been a life-saving partner to me."
She explained that she has relied on Masterson as a caretaker for her and
their daughter. She also defended his character throughout the plea, writing:
"We need him more than you can imagine. I know he has been convicted of serious crimes. But the man
I married has only been an extraordinary husband to me and a devoted father to our daughter."
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault,
help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).