Rumer Willis's ex-boyfriend, Derek Richard Thomas, has accused her of exploiting their three-year-old daughter, Louetta, amid a bitter custody battle. The couple split after Louetta's birth in 2023, and Thomas filed for joint legal and physical custody in July 2025.
Willis, 37, and her mother Demi Moore filed legal documents in Los Angeles last month opposing Thomas's request, with Willis seeking full physical custody and alleging “incessant domestic abuse.” Thomas has denied the abuse claims and accused Willis of using their daughter for financial gain through commercial work.
In a new court filing, Thomas stated: “Respondent’s coordinated media strategy and its harm to Louetta are a serious concern.” He claimed that in February he sent Willis a written objection to Louetta appearing in paid advertising, specifically a toilet paper commercial for Plant Paper that contained “adult sexual humour.” The ad features Willis discussing anal health before Louetta appears.
Thomas said he never consented to their child appearing in sponsored content and that Willis did not respond to his concerns. Representatives for Willis did not comment.
Willis's filing alleged that Thomas engaged in “coercive control” and behaved in a “bizarre, erratic, scary and chaotic” manner in front of Louetta, leaving her traumatised. Thomas denied the allegations, stating: “In every documented instance I am calm, clear, and focused on Louetta.” His attorney, Mike Kretzmer, said: “Derek Thomas is a caring, devoted and loving father. We will try our case in court.”
