Rumer Willis custody battle with ex takes shock twist in court

Rumer Willis has been awarded primary physical custody of her three-year-old daughter Louetta after a tense and emotional legal battle with her ex-partner Derek Richard Thomas.

The 37-year-old House Bunny actress has been locked in a custody dispute with Thomas, whom she split from in August 2024 after two years of dating. 

According to TMZ, a judge has now ruled that while Rumer will have primary physical custody, the former couple will share joint legal custody of their daughter.

The court also set out a detailed visitation arrangement for Thomas, allowing him to spend time with Louetta every other weekend under the supervision of a nanny. 

Over time, he is expected to be granted unsupervised overnight visits as part of a gradual transition. 

Both parents have additionally been ordered to attend co-parenting counselling and to communicate through a dedicated co-parenting app in an effort to reduce conflict and maintain stability for their child.

The case had grown increasingly contentious in legal filings. 

For those unfamiliar, the Striptease actress accused her ex-partner of a “persistent pattern” of emotional abuse and coercive control, allegations he has firmly denied. 

She claimed some of the behaviour allegedly took place in front of their daughter or during private car journeys, describing a relationship dynamic that became more difficult following their separation.

In response, Thomas made counter-claims, raising concerns about tensions involving Rumer and her mother, Demi Moore. 

He alleged there were disputes over early childcare arrangements and suggested he was not consulted about plans to move out of state with their daughter.

Despite the bitter exchanges in court documents, both sides are now expected to focus on co-parenting arrangements moving forward.

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