Rumer Willis and ex Derek Richard Thomas clash in explosive custody battle

Rumer Willis and her former partner Derek Richard Thomas are locked in a contentious custody dispute involving their three-year-old daughter, with both sides leveling serious allegations against one another in recent court filings.

Thomas, who split from Willis in August 2024 after two years of dating, has accused the actress of exploiting their daughter, Louetta, in paid media content. In documents cited by People, he claimed the child appeared in a commercial featuring what he described as inappropriate “adult sexual humour” for a toddler.

He argued that the child’s involvement in such content was part of a broader “coordinated media strategy” that he believes could harm her well-being.

Willis, 37, has strongly disputed those claims and has instead accused Thomas of abusive behaviour in her own legal declaration submitted last week.

She alleged a “persistent pattern” of emotional abuse and coercive control, stating that incidents often occurred in the presence of their daughter.

She also claimed Thomas engaged in what she described as erratic behaviour following the birth of their child, alleging attempts to isolate her from friends and family and frequent accusations directed at her without cause.

In her filing, Willis said she is seeking primary custody and requested that Thomas not be granted overnight visitation without a court-ordered custody evaluation. She also raised concerns about his fiancée’s involvement during custodial time, citing alleged past relationship conflicts.

Thomas has denied the allegations of abuse, stating in response that he has not engaged in any form of domestic violence or coercive control.

He acknowledged that the relationship was “unhealthy” but maintained that it ended mutually and without abuse or intimidation.

He also rejected calls for court-ordered drug testing, responding to claims regarding marijuana use by stating he is not a current user and has never been impaired in his parenting responsibilities.

The dispute also includes disagreements over financial support and family dynamics, with Willis alleging she has faced added stress during visits involving her father, Bruce Willis, who has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Thomas, however, has pushed back on these claims, denying financial neglect and contesting the narrative presented in court.

The custody case remains ongoing as both parties await further legal proceedings.