Emma Heming Willis has responded to criticism after revealing that her husband, Bruce Willis, is living in the family’s second home with a round-the-clock care team as he battles frontotemporal dementia. The model, who has been open about her caregiving journey, spoke candidly in an interview with Diane Sawyer and later addressed the backlash in an Instagram video.
In the ABC News special Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, she explained that the decision was far from easy but was made in the best interests of their daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. “It was one of the hardest decisions that I’ve had to make,” she admitted, stressing that Willis would have wanted his children to be in a home tailored to their needs. The actor, she added, is better supported in a single-storey home that is easier for him to navigate.
Heming said she visits her husband at least twice daily and that the house remains filled with love, warmth and laughter. She rejected claims that the family was abandoning Willis, instead emphasising that the arrangement allows both him and their children to live more comfortably.
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Online reaction has been divided. Supporters applauded her honesty, with many caregivers sharing their own experiences in comments on her posts. One wrote, “Unless you’ve lived it, you don’t get to judge.” However, others accused her of oversharing private details, prompting Heming to clarify that she shares her story to build community among those facing similar challenges.
She also read from her upcoming memoir The Unexpected Journey, urging families in similar situations to avoid being consumed by outside judgement. “Everyone will have an opinion, but you have to remind yourself that most don’t have the experience to back it up,” she said.
Bruce Willis, best known for his iconic role in Die Hard, was diagnosed with dementia in 2022, leading to his retirement from acting. Heming has since positioned herself as an advocate for caregivers, highlighting the isolation and stigma that often come with the role. Despite the noise surrounding her choices, she insists her focus remains on her husband’s dignity and her family’s wellbeing.
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