Rumer Willis's ex-boyfriend, Derek Richard Thomas, has accused her of exploiting their three-year-old daughter, Louetta, in the latest development of their contentious custody battle. Thomas alleged that a toilet paper advertisement featuring Willis and their child contained 'adult sexual humor that was not appropriate context for a two-year-old.'
Custody Battle Background
Thomas and Willis, the daughter of actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, ended their relationship after the birth of Louetta in 2023. The custody dispute began in July 2025 when Thomas sought joint legal and physical custody along with visitation rights. In response, Willis, 37, and Moore filed legal documents in Los Angeles last month opposing Thomas's request, with Willis seeking full physical custody and accusing Thomas of 'incessant domestic abuse.'
Thomas's Allegations
In a new court filing, Thomas denied all abuse claims and turned the accusations back on Willis. He stated: 'Respondent's coordinated media strategy and its harm to Louetta are a serious concern.' Thomas further accused Willis of using their daughter for financial gain through commercials. He noted that in February, he sent Willis 'a written objection to Louetta's appearance in paid commercial advertising, citing a specific ad which contained adult sexual humor that was not appropriate context for a two-year-old.'
The disputed advertisement is a toilet paper commercial for Plant Paper, which begins with Willis saying, 'I want to talk to you about anal... health.' Later in the ad, Louetta appears alongside her mother and speaks about the product. Thomas claimed he never consented to their child appearing in sponsored content online or in other advertisements. He said that when he raised concerns about the ad, Willis did not respond.
Willis's Allegations
Representatives for Willis did not respond to requests for comment. In her filing, Willis alleged that throughout their relationship, Thomas engaged in 'ongoing coercive control through prolonged circular verbal attacks that he is unable or unwilling to stop.' She accused him of behaving in a 'bizarre, erratic, scary and chaotic' manner in front of their young daughter, leaving Louetta 'traumatized' and 'crying a lot.' Consequently, she argued against him having overnight visits or unsupervised time with their child.
Thomas countered: 'I deny every characterization. In every documented instance I am calm, clear, and focused on Louetta. There is no police report, no restraining order, no child welfare referral, no court finding of any kind. Respondent alleges coercive control. I deny this entirely.'
Legal Proceedings
When contacted, Thomas's attorney, Mike Kretzmer, stated simply: 'Derek Thomas is a caring, devoted and loving father. We will try our case in court.' A custody hearing in the case is scheduled for June 9.
The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated men's advice line on 0808 8010 327. Those in the US can call the domestic violence hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org.
