Rumer Willis wins primary custody of daughter Louetta after legal battle

Rumer Willis has been awarded primary physical custody of her three-year-old daughter Louetta following a custody dispute with her former partner Derek Richard Thomas.

The House Bunny actress, 37, and Thomas, 39, reached an agreement after months of legal proceedings regarding arrangements for their daughter, according to reports.

A judge granted Willis primary physical custody, while the former couple will continue to share joint legal custody after agreeing to undergo a custody evaluation.

Under the court-approved arrangement, Thomas will have scheduled visitation with Louetta every other weekend, initially with supervision from a nanny. The agreement reportedly allows for overnight visits without supervision at a later stage.

The former couple has also been ordered to participate in co-parenting counselling and communicate through a co-parenting application as part of the custody arrangement.

Willis and Thomas, a musician, separated in August 2024 after dating for two years. Their custody battle became public after both sides made claims about their relationship in legal documents.

In court filings, Willis accused Thomas of a “persistent pattern” of what she described as emotional abuse following their separation, alleging that some incidents occurred in front of their daughter or during car rides.

She also claimed he engaged in “ongoing coercive control through prolonged circular verbal attacks.” Thomas has denied the allegations.

Thomas, meanwhile, raised concerns about tensions involving Willis and her family, including her mother, actress Demi Moore. In legal documents, he alleged that Moore had created conflict and claimed she had threatened to “destroy” him during a disagreement.

He also claimed Willis had expressed a desire to keep her family away during the first weeks after Louetta’s birth in 2023, alleging those wishes were not followed.

The musician previously objected to Willis relocating from California to Idaho with their daughter, stating in court documents that he had not agreed to an out-of-state move.

Thomas claimed Willis had discussed moving away from California during their relationship, allegedly seeking distance from what he described as her mother’s influence.

Despite the disputes between the former couple, the new custody order establishes a structured parenting arrangement for Louetta as both parents move forward with shared legal responsibilities.