Rumer Willis and Ex Derek Richard Thomas trade allegations in custody battle

Rumer Willis and her former partner, Derek Richard Thomas, are locked in an escalating custody dispute, with both sides making serious allegations in newly filed court documents concerning their daughter, Louetta.

The legal battle intensified after Willis filed a declaration opposing Thomas’ request for a child custody order.

In her filing, the actress alleged that her ex-partner engaged in a pattern of emotional abuse during and after their relationship, claims that Thomas has strongly denied.

In a response submitted to the court, Thomas pushed back against Willis’ allegations and made claims of his own, including accusations involving her mother, actress Demi Moore.

According to documents obtained by The U.S. Sun, Thomas alleged that Willis had originally wanted limited family involvement following the birth of their daughter in 2023.

He claimed Willis told him she did not want family members present during the first 40 days after Louetta’s birth.

However, Thomas alleged that Moore and members of her household staff entered the home shortly after the child was born despite those wishes.

Thomas further claimed that during the encounter, Moore threatened to “destroy” him. The allegation has not been independently verified, and Moore has not publicly responded to the claim.

The musician also objected to Willis’ reported desire to relocate outside California with their daughter, alleging that he never agreed to such a move.

In court documents, he further claimed that Willis had previously expressed a desire to leave the state in order to distance herself from what he described as her mother's “overbearing and hostile conduct.”

Meanwhile, Willis’ court filing paints a very different picture of their relationship.

The actress alleged that Thomas engaged in a “persistent pattern” of emotional abuse and coercive behavior following their separation.

She claimed his conduct often occurred in front of their daughter and described prolonged verbal confrontations that she said became increasingly frequent.

Willis further alleged that Thomas exhibited “erratic” and “bizarre” behavior after Louetta’s birth and accused him of attempting to isolate her from friends and family.

“I was constantly trying to keep the peace and walk on eggshells,” Willis stated in her declaration, according to the filing.

She also alleged that Thomas repeatedly accused her of dishonesty and subjected her to ongoing criticism throughout their relationship.

The actress is seeking primary custody of Louetta and has requested that Thomas not receive overnight visitation without a formal child custody evaluation.

She alleged that their daughter has been negatively affected by the conflict.

Supporting Willis’ filing was a declaration from Moore, who claimed she witnessed aggressive behavior from Thomas during the home birth of her granddaughter.

According to Moore’s statement, Thomas’ conduct created tension during what should have been a joyful occasion for the family.