Rumer Willis Accuses Ex Derek Richard Thomas of Emotional Abuse

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Rumer Willis and Derek Richard Thomas‘ legal battle continues. 

Court documents obtained by TopMob News on May 29 reveal that actress Anna Faris has accused her ex-husband of emotional abuse during their two-year marriage, as part of their ongoing custody battle over their 2-year-old daughter, Louetta.

Legal battles started between the couple, who separated in 2024, when Thomas asked the court for custody and visitation rights in July 2025. In January 2026, Willis responded to his request, claiming that Thomas had deeply upset their daughter by subjecting Willis to prolonged emotional abuse – sometimes lasting up to six hours – often while their daughter was awake, present, and crying.

She stated in a court document that he would often do this while they were driving in the car, leaving her and Louetta unable to escape. She also expressed worry about his ability to properly care for and keep Louetta safe.

Bruce Willis’s partner, Emma Heming Willis, claims that musician Derek Richard Thomas subjected her to controlling behavior. She says this included ongoing verbal abuse and efforts to isolate her from friends and family, particularly after their child was born in April 2023.

She explained that she wanted him to leave shortly after their baby, Louetta, was born, because that’s when his unpredictable and strange behavior got much worse. She also felt scared for herself and the baby, so she was always trying to avoid conflict and keep him from getting angry.

She explained that he tried to cut her off from the people she cared about. He also frequently and unfairly accused her of lying and constantly criticized her as a partner.

I’ve been following this case closely, and it’s heartbreaking. Rumer Willis, Bruce and Demi’s oldest daughter, has said she really tried to calm things down between her dad and Louetta, but nothing seemed to work. She’s also claimed that her dad’s marijuana use played a big part in why he wasn’t able to take good care of Louetta, and it’s just a really sad situation.

Willis asked the court to allow her to continue having Louetta live with her most of the time, while giving Thomas up to six hours of visitation per day, three or four days a week, either in Los Angeles or at Willis’ home in Sun Valley, Idaho.

She claimed it took Louetta several months after Thomas left to fully recover and become a happy, confident child, instead of the frightened and shy girl she had been while he was living with them.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen my share of public disputes, and this one is particularly disheartening. In a statement released on February 13th, Thomas strongly refuted Willis’ claims of abuse, calling them completely untrue and inaccurate. It’s a clear denial, and he’s standing firm against those accusations.

I have a wonderful and supportive relationship with my daughter, Louetta, and I’ve been consistently involved in her life since she was born. No one has ever questioned my ability to be a good father or to provide for her needs.

I’ve always taken excellent care of Louetta. She has never been harmed, neglected, or experienced any kind of abuse – emotional, physical, or otherwise – while under my supervision.

The 30-year-old stated he never threatened Willis, either physically or in any way, during their relationship, although he admitted things weren’t good between them.

He explained that while his relationship ended because it wasn’t healthy, he never physically or emotionally abused his partner. He clarified that he didn’t engage in any violence, threats, or intimidation.

He and Willis decided to end their relationship together, believing it was the best choice for both of them.

Thomas stated he doesn’t currently use marijuana when responding to accusations of drug use.

In a court document, Thomas stated he never used marijuana to the point where it interfered with his ability to be a good father to Louetta. He confirmed he doesn’t currently use marijuana, and has never used any illegal drugs or medications without a prescription.

According to Thomas, the main issue stems from Willis’s permanent relocation from California to Idaho with Louetta. Willis claims in her legal filing that she had Thomas’s permission to make the move.

He claimed his former partner was attempting to ruin his relationship with Louetta, and described her as being uncontrollably angry and using extreme methods.

Thomas is asking the court to grant both parents joint legal and physical custody. He proposes a schedule where he has custody for one week out of each month in California, with the goal of eventually reaching a 50/50 custody arrangement.

TopMob News has reached out to Thomas’ attorney and rep for comment and has not yet heard back.

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2026-05-29 21:47