Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis slammed online critics who called her out over moving the actor into a separate home after his dementia diagnosis. Earlier while gracing ABC’s special Emma and Bruce: The Unexpected Journey, the 49-year-old opened up about her life as a caregiver, and said that Bruce no longer lives with her and their daughters. Instead, he stays in a nearby house built specifically for his medical needs, with caregivers available 24/7.
Bruce Willis’ wife Emma responds to online criticism
When Emma admitted the decision was one of the hardest of her life, the remark sparked heavy backlash online. Some questioned why Bruce wasn’t living at home with his family when he needed them most, while others went as far as accusing Emma of negligence, even suggesting she shouldn’t have the right to inherit his wealth. On Friday, Emma hit back with a video on Instagram. “What I knew was that by sharing some of our intimate information, we would see these two camps. It would be people with an opinion versus people with an actual experience,” she said. Emma made it clear she wasn’t opening up for sympathy, but to raise awareness about frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and highlight what caregivers actually go through. Praising her interview with Diane Sawyer for their ABC News special, she added, “I think they did a beautiful job with amplifying FTD awareness, as well as shining a spotlight onto caregivers.”
Married to Bruce since 2009, after his split with Demi Moore, Emma said she was fully aware of the criticism that would come her way. “People with an opinion [are quick to judge] the caregiver,” she said, adding, “That is what caregivers are up against, constant judgment and criticism.” In the video, the Make Time Wellness founder reads an excerpt from her book, recalling what a therapist once told her: “Nothing changes an opinion quite as powerfully as when you have an experience. Even if someone is familiar with dementia or the condition you’re caring for, they aren’t in your home. They don’t see how your person is behaving or what your family dynamics are.” She ended the video by saying, “The truth is the opinions are so loud and so noisy. But if they don’t have the experience, they don’t get a say, and they definitely don’t get a vote.”
During the ABC interview, Emma admitted that moving Bruce out was one of the most heartbreaking choices she’s had to make, telling Diane Sawyer with tears in her eyes. Sawyer later got a chance to visit Bruce’s new home off-camera and confirmed he was in good health, physically strong, smiling, and at ease. Emma said that her intention was never to isolate him. She and their daughters, Mabel (13) and Evelyn (11), spend plenty of time there. “We’re there a lot. It’s our second home, so the girls have their things there. It’s filled with love, warmth, and laughter,” she said.
Also read: Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming reveals why she no longer lives with him as he battles FTD
Emma also spoke about his condition, dismissing rumours about his declining health. At 70, Bruce is doing well physically, but frontotemporal dementia is impacting his language skills. Still, Emma said his old self shines when he smiles. “It’s his laugh, right? He has such a hearty laugh. And sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye, that smirk, and for a moment I get transported. But then, just as quickly, it goes,” she admitted, visibly heartbroken.
Bruce retired from acting in 2022 after being diagnosed with aphasia, which later took the form of FTD. The disease reportedly affects around 60,000 Americans and is one of the most common forms of dementia in people under 60. Emma has since become a strong advocate for dementia awareness and caregiver support. Her book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on The Caregiving Path will be made available on September 9.
