The Last Gesture Danny Masterson Made To Wife Bijou Phillips Before Going To Prison

This article includes mentions of sexual assault.

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 in prison, per the New York Post.

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. "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," said Holley. 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 Danny 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 in June. "Bijou is treating the results of the trial against her husband as a death," said the source. She's also reportedly having a hard time grappling with the reality that she'll now be raising their daughter on her own. "It is to Bijou something that is catastrophic to her current way of life," the insider further revealed.

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."

Danny 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 Danny Masterson's conviction, Bijou Phillips has shown loyalty to her longtime love. 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."

From the looks of his Instagram page, Masterson evidently adores his wife. The "That '70s Show" star has shared a number of romantic posts featuring Phillips. Back in 2020, Masterson posted a birthday tribute to her, writing, "My wife. It's your bday. Your sweet 16 as you will. I love you. My partner. My bestie. My love." In his most recent post from October 2022, he expressed his love for his wife and daughter alongside a smiling selfie with them (and their dog, too), writing, "After a long two days in LA it's coming home to these 3 perfect ladies that makes a boy smile."

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).