Rumer Willis has accused her ex, Derek Richard Thomas, of ‘emotional abuse’ in an ongoing custody dispute involving their daughter.
The actor has made multiple allegations against Thomas as the former couple continue legal proceedings over custody arrangements for their three-year-old daughter, Louetta.
In court papers obtained by PEOPLE, Willis alleged Thomas engaged in what she described as a “persistent pattern” of emotional abuse, which she says occurred both before and after their split in 2024.
Willis, 37, and Thomas, 30, have reportedly been in custody proceedings since July of last year, when Thomas filed for custody and a formal visitation schedule.
In filings opposing his request, Willis claimed she experienced what she characterized as “ongoing coercive control,” including extended verbal confrontations that she said would spiral without resolution.
She further alleged that the behavior frequently took place while their daughter was present, including during times they were together in the car.
“I was constantly trying to keep the peace and walk on eggshells,” Willis reportedly stated in the filing.
Willis also claimed Thomas attempted to distance her from friends and relatives and often accused her of dishonesty.
According to the documents, she said the situation worsened after Louetta was born in April 2023.
Willis, the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, additionally alleged that Thomas displayed “paranoid behaviour,” including claims that she and her mother were trying to take their child from him.
Willis is reportedly asking for primary physical custody and has requested that Thomas not be granted overnight visitation unless additional custody evaluations are completed.
She also alleged that Louetta has been “traumatized” by the conflict and has been “crying a lot” amid the current circumstances.
The filing further raised concerns about Thomas’ alleged marijuana use, with Willis requesting court-ordered drug testing. She claimed there were occasions when he appeared too impaired to supervise their daughter safely.
Thomas has denied the accusations.
In his own court filing, also obtained by PEOPLE, he reportedly called the relationship “unhealthy,” but rejected claims that he engaged in domestic violence or coercive control.
“I have committed no acts of domestic violence in any form,” Thomas stated in the filing.
He also denied claims of ongoing drug abuse and said he does not currently use marijuana.
Thomas further alleged that Willis’ custody position is driven by frustration regarding their daughter’s relationship with his now-fiancée, Lizzie Loch.
His attorney, Mike Kretzmer, also released a statement disputing the allegations.
“Mr. Thomas is a devoted, loving caring father to Louetta,” the statement read.
“We deny each and all of these allegations made against Mr. Thomas and we look forward to presenting truthful accurate information to the court.”
Elsewhere in her filing, Willis also alleged Thomas contributed to “high stress and chaos” during a period when she was assisting her father, Bruce Willis, following his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.
The pair began dating in 2022 and welcomed Louetta in April 2023, later confirming their separation in August 2024.
The custody case is still ongoing, and Thomas continues to deny the claims described in the filings.
Representatives for both Willis and Thomas have reportedly been contacted for comment.