Rumer Willis Details “Brutal” Moment Behind Derek Richard Thomas Split

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Rumer Willis wanted to give herself her best chance at love.

Even though Rumer had been with her ex, Derek Richard Thomas, for two years and they had a daughter together, Louetta, who is now two, she finally realized she wanted something better after going to her best friend Maeve Reilly’s wedding.

She told Maeve on the May 18th episode of The Inside Edit podcast that Maeve’s wedding was a turning point for her. Hearing Maeve’s vows made her realize her own relationship would never be as fulfilling, no matter how hard she tried. She described watching Maeve and her partner cry while holding her child, and it was a very emotional moment for her.

The 37-year-old, who had a daughter, Louetta, a little over a year before she and Derek split in 2024, explained that she realized she needed to prioritize her own well-being. She decided to leave the relationship, even though she was afraid, in order to find a life that felt fulfilling and worthwhile.

Rumer shared that she hasn’t dated much since her split with Derek, and she’s only recently begun to feel ready to start dating again.

She explained that she’s recently regained her confidence and sense of self over the past eight months, following a very difficult relationship. While she prefers to focus on the positive, she acknowledged the experience was incredibly tough and expressed pride in how she handled it.

TopMob News has attempted to contact Derek for comment but has not yet heard back. 

Even though Rumer described ending her relationship as incredibly difficult, she feels more grounded and optimistic about the possibility of future connections.

She explained that she’s approaching her next relationship with completely new expectations. She’s no longer willing to settle for just anyone; she knows what she wants and is holding out for it.

I haven’t been focused on dating for about a year and a half because my daughter has been my priority. It was the first time I wasn’t looking for a partner, and it’s a little embarrassing to admit. But I think a lot of people can relate – especially now that I’m traveling and working while also being fully responsible for my child, I realize how much things have shifted.

But when it comes to prioritizing Louetta, Rumer wouldn’t have it any other way. 

As she put it, “It’s such a privilege to be a mom. It makes me so happy.”

And for a closer look into Rumer’s journey as mom to Louetta, read on. 

Rumer Willis and her then-partner, Derek Thomas, had a baby girl, Louetta Isley Thomas Willis, in April 2023. They announced the news on Instagram.

“You are pure magic,” Rumer captioned the photo. “You are more than we ever dreamed of.”

Rumer Willis, the oldest child of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, shared that her sister Lou was born at home, and she later posted pictures documenting the birth.

Just one month after Lou was born, Rumer wrote a heartfelt message to her daughter, expressing that she had dreamed of and waited for her entire life.

Oh my gosh, she gets me! When she said she’s changed her life, I literally felt that in my soul. It’s like, being her ‘Mother’ is the absolute highest honor, and she’d do anything, anything for her kiddo. And the sweetest part? She hopes her little one never outgrows wanting bedtime snuggles and bath time together! Seriously, is this not the most perfect thing ever? I’m completely obsessed!

Rumer expressed gratitude to her sisters, Tallulah and Scout Willis, for their support during her pregnancy and while she gave birth at home.

To my sisters, my closest friends, and my partners in everything, having you with me when my daughter was born was a moment I’ll always cherish. You’ve been with me through it all, and you understand how special it is to welcome another little girl into our family.

Rumer shared in an Instagram post from May 2023 that one of the first things she said when her child was born was, ‘Oh my girl, I missed you.’ She explained that she felt an immediate and deep connection, as if she’d always known her child, and described them as the most beautiful person she’d ever met.

The actress shared, “Even with all the pain and effort of childbirth, it was completely worth it, and she’d gladly go through it all again just to have a single moment with her child.”

In a 2023 birthday post for Thomas, Rumer wrote about how thankful she and their daughters were to have him in their lives. She praised him as a wonderful father, saying their daughter was lucky to call him ‘Papa.’ This was shared a year before they split up.

Rumer Willis honored her father on Father’s Day 2023, sharing that seeing him hold his first grandchild—after his recent diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia—was a moment she’ll always cherish.

I just have to say, watching my dad with my sister and me has always been the most beautiful thing. He’s just so genuinely sweet and loving. I feel incredibly lucky to have him as my dad, and so does my sister Lou. He’s the silliest, most fun, and coolest dad anyone could ever ask for, and we’re both so grateful for him!

In an August 2023 social media post, Rumer shared some recent happy moments, like adorning her child with little bows, admiring their tiny toes, and enjoying sweet naps while holding their small hands.

Shortly before turning 35, Rumer Willis shared a nude photo on Instagram and wrote about how she feels about her body.

The Dancing With the Stars winner shared that after years of trying to achieve a certain body type she believed was ideal, she now embraces her post-pregnancy body, which she describes as softer, rounder, and more natural.

She shared that she felt great, even amazed, considering her body had just grown a baby. While it’s still recovering, she’s thankful for everything it accomplished and continues to do.

Rumer shared that she’s still adjusting after having a baby and feels thankful for all the ups and downs she’s experienced along the way.

I love how my body has changed! My breasts have grown and are starting to sag a little, but it’s amazing they were able to nourish my Lou. They even make a comfy pillow when we sleep together. And my hips and tummy are softer now, which is perfect for holding my daughter close and keeping her safe, warm, and loved.

Rumer celebrated her 35th birthday by posting a photo of herself nursing her baby, Lou. In the Instagram caption, she reflected on the past year, describing it as a time of significant personal growth, despite facing challenges and overcoming fears. She shared that it brought her more joy than she ever thought possible, and helped her discover a deep inner strength she didn’t know she possessed.

I’m truly loving the person I’ve become – even more than I thought possible. I feel so much more comfortable and confident in who I am. Becoming a mother has connected me to a sense of purpose I’ve always felt, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know my instincts were right. It’s given me a deep sense of self-trust that I’m very grateful for.

Of course, parenthood comes with challenges, too. And in October 2023, Rumer reflected on how she and Lou got the flu. 

“It brought not just symptoms but moments of doubt,” she wrote on Instagram. “Could I manage taking care of her and myself in this weakened state? But in that storm of uncertainty, we discovered an uncharted strength within ourselves. The resilience I summoned in the face of a common challenge mothers everywhere deal with truly showed me so much about myself and my capacity. As a parent, you sometimes question your abilities, but that week, as the flu raged on, it became clear that I was more capable than I ever thought. That I could be her safe place and I could hold the container for both of us.”

Through that experience, Rumer continued, she learned “how much stronger I am than ever I thought I was.”

“Navigating through her fever was hard to watch but we made it through fueled by love, determination, and the proper nutritional and supplement support I’m fortunate to have,” she added in part of her post. “It’s a support that is needed by many. I also realized the importance of giving myself grace. As we all should as mothers.”

In April 2024, Rumer Willis talked about her changing relationship with her body, saying she’s embracing her post-pregnancy curves. In an Instagram post, she described it as a process of learning to accept and love her body as it changes after having a baby. She hopes to model self-love and acceptance for her daughter, showing her that it’s okay to love yourself at any size or shape.

In April 2024, Rumer shared on Instagram how much joy her daughter brings her, calling her “the most magical being” she’s ever known. She’s amazed by Louetta’s loving and sweet nature, even at a young age. Rumer described how Louetta greets her each morning with hugs and kisses, and communicates so well even without using many words. Rumer also mentioned Louetta is a quick learner, having picked up how to blow kisses from Scout all on her own. Rumer gushed that Louetta is truly special and that everyone who meets her falls in love. She expressed how grateful she is to be Louetta’s mother, feeling honored that Louetta chose her, and shared her deep love for her daughter.

Rumer Willis celebrated her daughter Louetta’s first birthday in April 2024 with a heartfelt Instagram post. She expressed how much joy Louetta has brought to her life, calling the past year the best of her life and describing her daughter as the sweetest, funniest, and most beautiful little girl. Rumer was overjoyed to be Louetta’s mother and marvelled at how quickly she was growing and learning. She also shared photos of Louetta with loved ones, praising her infectious smile and adorable laugh.

Rumer extended gratitude to several family members, including Demi Moore for being a wonderful ‘Ya Ya,’ and her sisters Scout and Tallulah, as well as her younger half-sisters Mabel and Evelyn (Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis’ daughters), for being amazing aunties. She also thanked Emma for being a ‘bonus Grandma’ and Bruce Willis and Eric Buterbaugh for being the best ‘Papous.’

Just over a year after becoming a mother, Rumer Willis shared her heartfelt feelings about parenthood. In a May 2024 Instagram post, she wrote about her daughter, Louetta, saying that being her mom is both the greatest joy and the greatest vulnerability. She described becoming a mother as a transformative experience, even more profound than she had anticipated, and cherished the privilege of watching Louetta grow over the past year. She praised her daughter as strong, funny, and loving, and noted that everyone who meets Louetta is captivated by her magic. Rumer acknowledged that parenting has its challenges, but finds them easier to navigate with Louetta, and feels endlessly capable of providing comfort and affection. She expressed how much joy she finds in watching her daughter develop and shared some of her favorite moments, like Louetta’s singing, silly faces, and delight in smelling flowers. Rumer lovingly called Louetta her best friend and the love of her life, ending with a simple, heartfelt message of love from ‘Mama’.

In a sweet May 2024 post, Rumer called Louetta “My whole heart…”

Rumer Willis and her mother, Demi Moore, enjoyed a special trip to New York City in June 2024. Rumer shared on Instagram that revisiting childhood spots with her daughter, Louetta, was a dream. They explored the Natural History Museum, watched Louetta take her first steps in Central Park, and shared her first taste of french fries. They also took evening walks and had a memorable dinner at Eleven Madison Park. Rumer described the week, which included performances at Cafe Carlyle, as magical, life-affirming, and a truly grateful experience.

She’s truly cherishing the precious moments with her daughter. In a July 2024 post, Rumer described seeing her daughter walking through the grass with family in her hometown as a dream come true.

During the summer of 2024, Rumer Willis was filming Broken Trail and shared a sweet story about her daughter, Louetta, visiting the set. On Instagram in July, Rumer wrote, “I love my little Lou so much! You can tell she’s a Willis – when she visited me on set and I was covered in fake blood, she didn’t even react! She just ran over and gave me a big hug and kiss.” Rumer also expressed her gratitude for being able to include her daughter in her work. She feels lucky to have such a supportive team, especially since her former nanny, Madison, is now helping her care for Louetta, creating a special full-circle moment.

In August 2024, Rumer Willis celebrated World Breastfeeding Week, sharing a heartfelt message about her experience with her daughter, Louetta. She expressed gratitude for the beautiful journey of breastfeeding, which Louetta is still enjoying at 16 months old. While she’s not sure when they’ll stop, Rumer feels confident they’ll decide together. She acknowledged how easy her experience has been, recognizing that isn’t the case for all mothers, and emphasized her desire to support other women throughout their breastfeeding journeys, hoping they can also find joy and connection.

Rumer Willis responded to criticism she received for partnering with a sex toy company on social media. In an Instagram video, she pointed out the hypocrisy of people criticizing her, especially considering she’s a mother. Many commenters seemed bothered by her promoting the product, following previous comments about her breastfeeding in public.

She explained that society often shames natural acts like feeding babies or openly discussing female pleasure and sexuality. Even simply mentioning these topics can trigger strong negative reactions. Rumer believes it’s important to have these conversations to break down the shame surrounding them.

As a new mother, she wants her daughter, Lou, to grow up with a healthy relationship with her body and feel empowered to make her own choices about her sexuality, free from societal taboos. She wants Lou to feel comfortable and confident with her body, whether she chooses to share it with others or not.

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2026-05-21 18:32