Emma Willis has appealed to the paparazzi not to accost her husband, Bruce Willis, whenever they see him outside with family or friends. She shared a video on Instagram to make the request, explaining that they needed to do so due to his health condition.
This request comes after the family revealed late last month that the actor’s aphasia, which he was diagnosed with last year, had progressed into frontotemporal dementia.
In the post’s comment section, fans called for more awareness on how to relate to people living with dementia.
Read on to learn more.
‘Just Keep Your Space’
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Bruce’s wife, Emma, pleaded with paparazzi to keep their distance whenever they see the 67-year-old actor make public appearances.
She took to Instagram to make the appeal with regard to his dementia diagnosis and recounted an incident where photographers accosted Bruce while he was out with friends in Santa Monica.
“This one is going out to the photographers and video people that are trying to get those exclusives of my husband out and about. Just keep your space,” Emma said while recording herself in the kitchen of her home.
“I know this is your job, but maybe just keep your space,” she added. “Please don’t be yelling at my husband, asking how he’s doing, whatever. The woo-hooing and the yippee-ki-yay’s — just don’t do it. Give him the space. Allow for our family or whoever’s with him that day to be able to get him from Point A to Point B safely. That’s my PSA.”
Emma Willis On Dementia
In the video, Emma had previously shared that it wasn’t easy taking care of someone with dementia and complained about the lack of awareness about the illness in today’s society.
“If you are someone who is looking after someone with dementia, you know how difficult and stressful it can be to get someone out into the world and to navigate them safely, even just to get a cup of coffee,” she said. “It’s clear that there’s still a lot of education that needs to be put worth.”
The CocoBaba founder captioned the clip with a request to caregivers or dementia care specialists on tips about helping people diagnosed with dementia adjust to society.
“To other caregivers or dementia care specialist navigating this world…. Any tips or advice on how to get your loved ones out in the world safely? Please share below.”
Fans React To Emma Willis’ Message
Fans in the comment section resonated with Emma’s message and called for more awareness on how to relate to people living with dementia.
One fan said, “There is so much more work to do in raising awareness and understanding of dementia. I’m honored to be a part of this conversation, and I’m so dedicated to seeing it through! You are making a huge difference in your courage to share. Thank you!”
Another follower reiterated Emma’s message, saying, “To the photographers and videographers. Yes this is your job. However, I’m sure you’ve had relatives loved ones, or friends with dementia. You must still be human. You can do your job from a distance while respecting Bruce.”
A third person gave advice on relating to dementia patients in response to Emma’s request for tips.
The fan said, “Routines are great. Every morning can be your morning walk, so it becomes a task and part of routine. AZ and dementia patients need routine in their lives, what has helped for my mother.”
Bruce Willis’ Health Condition
In March 2022, Bruce’s family made public the actor’s diagnosis of aphasia, a language illness brought on by brain deterioration that impairs communication. The announcement also revealed that Bruce was retiring from acting.
“This is a really challenging time for our family, and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion, and support,” the statement read in part. “We are moving through this as a strong family unit and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up,’ and together, we plan to do just that.”
Earlier in the month, the family gave an update on the actor’s condition, sharing that his aphasia had progressed into frontotemporal dementia.
