In a significant legal move, actress Bijou Phillips has filed a petition in a California court to change her 11-year-old daughter’s surname from Masterson to Phillips. The filing, submitted on October 24, 2025, comes after her ex-husband, actor Danny Masterson, was convicted and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rape of two women. The petition is currently awaiting judicial approval.
Details of the Name Change Petition
Court documents obtained by E! News confirm that Phillips, 45, has requested the court to change her daughter’s name from Fianna Francis Masterson to Fianna Francis Phillips. The filing was made in Los Angeles Superior Court and is pending a judge’s approval. On the same day, a judge also changed both Phillips’ and Masterson’s legal statuses to “single”
Phillips filed for divorce from Masterson in September 2023, shortly after his sentencing. She cited “irreconcilable differences” and requested full legal and physical custody of their daughter. The divorce was finalized, and Phillips was granted full custody
Background on Danny Masterson’s Conviction
Danny Masterson, known for his role in That ’70s Show, was convicted in May 2023 on two counts of forcible rape. The incidents occurred between 2001 and 2003. In September 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. Masterson has maintained his innocence and has filed an appeal, arguing that there were errors during his trial and that key evidence was overlooked
Impact on Family Dynamics
The petition to change Fianna’s surname reflects a desire by Phillips to establish a new family identity separate from Masterson’s criminal actions. This move is part of a broader trend where children of public figures seek to distance themselves from the negative associations of their parents’ actions. Phillips has expressed that she and her daughter are “a great little team” and are adjusting well to their new life
What’s Next
The court is expected to review the petition in the coming weeks. If approved, Fianna’s legal documents will reflect the change from Masterson to Phillips. This decision marks a significant step in Bijou Phillips’ efforts to move forward and provide a stable environment for her daughter.
