Bijou Phillips Steps Out with New Beau Jamie Mazur amid Danny Masterson Divorce: She's 'Much Happier' (Source)

Bijou Phillips has moved on with a new man as she works to finalize her divorce from Danny Masterson.

In a new photo obtained by PEOPLE, the Raising Hope alum, 44, stepped out with businessman Jamie Mazur for the first time, nine months after filing for divorce from Masterson. In September 2023, the That 70s Show star was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in his rape retrial.

The new couple was seen taking a casual stroll in New York City's Central Park. Phillips wore a beige cardigan, a white graphic t-shirt and blue jeans as she and her new beau took a walk. Mazur also wore a matching denim vest and pants.

A source exclusively tells PEOPLE that the former actress has found a new outlook on life after finding love with Mazur amid her divorce from Masterson.

"After Danny was found guilty, Bijou had a hard time," the source says. "She has been incredibly sad for their daughter. It's just so awful that she lost her dad. Bijou has leaned on a small group of friends for support since she filed for divorce."

The insider reveals that Phillips met her new partner "through friends."

"He was initially just a confidant and someone safe that she could talk to," the source continues. "They've been dating for a couple of months now. He's added a spark to her life. She seems much happier and more relaxed lately. Her main focus will always be her daughter."

"It's nice to see that Bijou also takes care of herself too though. It's great to see her smiling more," the source adds.

PEOPLE has reached out to reps for Phillips and Mazur for comment.

In May 2023, a jury at Los Angeles Superior Court found Masterson guilty of two counts of rape, per the Los Angeles Times. After jurors deliberated for more than seven days, a third count of rape resulted in a hung jury, the outlet reported.

At the time, another source told PEOPLE that Phillips was “distraught” over the sentencing and “surrounded by family and friends” amid her estranged husband’s legal troubles.

“She is in touch with his lawyer," the source added. "They are planning appeals. She tries to stay hopeful.”

Shortly after Masterson's sentencing, Phillips filed for divorce in a Santa Barbara, California court. In documents obtained by PEOPLE, she cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their split after nearly 12 years of marriage, though their separation date was listed as "TBD."

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"Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time. Her priority remains with her daughter," Phillips' lawyer Peter A. Lauzon told PEOPLE in a statement.

Lauzon continued, "This period has been unimaginably hard on the marriage and the family. Mr. Masterson was always present for Ms. Phillips during her most difficult times of her life. Ms. Phillips acknowledges that Mr. Masterson is a wonderful father to their daughter. She hopes that everyone will respect her family's privacy in these difficult times."