Rumer Willis Accuses Ex Derek Richard Thomas of Emotional Abuse

Willis—who began dating Thomas in 2022—alleged that the musician engaged in coercive control through prolonged verbal attacks and attempts to alienate her from her loved ones, especially after welcoming their baby in April 2023.

"I wanted him to move out as early as when Louetta was born because that is when his erratic and bizarre behavior escalated," she wrote. "I also became afraid for myself and our baby, so I was constantly trying to keep the peace and walk on eggshells." 

"He wanted to isolate me from my friends and family," she continued. "He constantly called me a liar with no reason behind it. He told me I was a bad girlfriend all the time."

The 37-year-old—the eldest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore—alleged that she had attempted to de-escalate their arguments without avail. She also accused her ex of abusing marijuana, pointing to it as a reason for Thomas' inability to properly care for Louetta.

Willis requested that the court maintain her primary physical custody of Louetta, with Thomas being allowed six hours per day, for up to three to four days a week in L.A. or at Willis' full-time residence in Sun Valley, Idaho.

She alleged that it took "many months" after Thomas moved out for Louetta to become "a carefree, happy child" and "no longer the scared, timid child she was" when he lived with them.

For Thomas' part, he slammed Willis' accusations of abuse in his Feb. 13 response, describing them as "inaccurate and false."

"I have an excellent, loving and very supportive relationship with our daughter Louetta and I have been a very consistently involved father to Louetta since her birth," he wrote. "There has never been any legitimate question raised concerning my parenting or ability to meet Louetta's every need."

"Louetta has never suffered for any want in my care," he continued, "has never been injured in any way, has not suffered trauma or emotional or physical abuse of any kind, nor any neglect at any time she has been in my care."

The 30-year-old also asserted that he had "never physically, or in any other manner, 'threatened'" Willis, directly or indirectly, during their relationship, though he acknowledged that their relationship was not great.

"My relationship was unhealthy and appropriately came to an end," he said, "but it was not at all characterized by any violence, physical or emotional attacks or intimidation on my part."

He noted that he and Willis made a "mutual decision made in our mutual best interests" to end their relationship.

When it came to accusations of drug use, Thomas alleged that he is not a "current user of marijuana."

"At no point," Thomas stated in his filing, "did I engage in the use of marijuana to such a degree as to render me unable to fully and properly fulfill my duties and obligations as Louetta's father. I am not a current user of marijuana. I am not now nor have ever been a user of any illegal or unprescribed substances."

Thomas said that their primary conflict is due to Willis moving from California to Idaho with Louetta—which Willis alleged in her filing was done with the Thomas' permission—permanently.

He accused his ex of trying to "compromise if not totally obliterate my relationship with Louetta," adding that Willis' "anger and tactics know no bounds."

Thomas is requesting that the courts order joint legal and physical custody for both parties, with him receiving custody for one week each month in California, which includes a step up to 50/50 custody.

E! News has reached out to Thomas' attorney and rep for comment and has not yet heard back.