The end of Rumer Willis‘ romance with the father of her child, Derek Richard Thomas, is anything but sweet.
The former couple is currently clashing swords in court over the custody of their three-year-old daughter, Louetta, with Demi Moore stepping up to drop scathing claims against her daughter’s ex.
However, Derek Richard Thomas isn’t taking the allegations lying down, and he recently fired back with shocking claims of his own against Rumer Willis.
Rumer Willis Embroiled In Nasty Custody Battle
Thomas addressed Moore’s and Willis’ claims in new legal documents, arguing that he was not the monster they painted him to be. He stressed that he had never behaved “aggressively or inappropriately” towards his ex and accused Willis of trying to destroy his image.
According to Thomas, Willis “has launched a coordinated media attack across dozens of outlets” against him. He also accused his ex of exploiting their daughter by letting her star in sponsored content that has “adult sexual humor,” without his consent.
Thomas’ defense continued with claims of being a good father, alleging that he FaceTimed his daughter daily for a year and made several attempts to see her in person. However, the documents obtained by TMZ accused Willis of intentionally interfering with Thomas’ visits with her ever-changing “conditions.”
Derek Richard Thomas Says He Wants To Be A Father
Thomas begged the court to intervene, lamenting his inability to be a proper father to Louetta. He accused Willis of deceiving him with her relocation to Idaho, noting she told him it was to escape the toxic air after the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
However, she tried to establish residency in Idaho. Thomas also refuted Moore and Willis’ claims of his alleged drug usage and lack of financial support, declaring that he did not use drugs and would happily pay child support out of his $2,350 average monthly income.
On that note, Thomas implored the court to adopt a proposed interim parenting plan detailing visitation on specific dates, holidays, and overnight stays. The plan also included exchange protocols and communication rules, Thomas believed would “stabilize what has been an otherwise chaotic and unreasonable situation for Louetta.”
Inside Demi Moore’s Claims About Her Daughter’s Ex
According to custody documents obtained by US Weekly, Moore’s declaration to the court in January 2026 detailed her alleged interactions with Thomas. She accused him of attempting “to dictate and control Rumer’s environment to his needs,” referencing her daughter’s home birth as an example.
Moore recalled that while giving birth to Louetta, Thomas had allegedly joined Willis in the birthing tub without showering or asking for permission. She claimed he climbed into the tub “in an aggressive and sudden manner,” which shocked the onlookers.
Although he eventually left the tub after Willis told him to, Moore claimed Thomas “spent the rest of the birth acting angry and pouting, and making it all about him.” She argued that he showed no consideration for Willis, the baby, or anyone else, thereby ruining what should have been her daughter’s happiest moment.
The Hollywood Veteran Accused Derek Richard Thomas Of Creating ‘Unnecessary Stress’
A day after Willis welcomed her daughter, Moore recalled returning to the home with others to support the new mom. But their good intentions were allegedly ruined by Thomas, who got angry at Willis for allowing them to visit without his permission.
Moore claimed Thomas berated and angrily complained to Willis, refusing to leave her alone until she left the room. She accused Thomas of even stopping Willis from putting “clothes on Louetta when she was clearly cold and needing to be bundled and swaddled.”
“He wants to put Rumer at odds with our family, and creates unnecessary stress and fear for Rumer to this day,” Moore added. Willis echoed similar sentiments in her documents, claiming her relationship with Thomas ended over his “incessant domestic violence in the form of coercive control.”
The Moment Rumer Willis Knew Her Relationship Was Over
Willis shed more light on her allegedly tumultuous relationship with Thomas during a May episode of “The Inside Edit” podcast with her best friend, stylist Maeve Reilly. The Blast covered the story, reporting that Willis had reflected on the moment she knew her relationship with Thomas was over.
According to Willis, the epiphany came when Reilly tied the knot to her husband, Zach Quittman, in June 2024. She claimed she knew there was no hope for her and Thomas after hearing the couple’s vows. Willis noted their love helped her realize that her one-sided efforts couldn’t make significant changes.
Willis recalled crying and vowing to value herself more during the wedding ceremony. Despite the epiphany, Willis confessed that it was challenging walking away from Thomas and embracing a new life with their daughter. Fortunately, she regained her power by focusing on motherhood.
Who will emerge victorious in the custody battle?