Content Advisory: This article discusses domestic violence allegations, child custody litigation, alleged trauma involving a young child, drug testing requests, and family court proceedings. Reader discretion is advised.
Demi Moore’s daughter, Rumer Willis, is locked in a bitter custody fight with ex Derek Richard Thomas, and the court filings have taken a serious turn.
The 37-year-old is fighting Thomas, 31, over custody of their daughter, Louetta, amid a legal dispute that has included emergency requests, visitation issues, and allegations about parenting and behavior.
In court documents, Willis accused Thomas of domestic violence and claimed their young daughter was “left traumatized” by the turmoil around the relationship. Thomas has strongly denied the allegations.
Willis Raises Serious Claims In Custody Filing
The former couple’s custody battle remains active in Los Angeles Superior Court. Court records reportedly show disputes tied to custody, visitation, jurisdiction questions between California and Idaho, and concerns about Thomas’ parenting.
In one filing, Willis claimed Thomas had not asked to see Louetta for roughly two-and-a-half months, despite having chances to visit. She also alleged he had “never had an overnight” visit with the child. Willis claimed there were “serious concerns and reasons” for that.
The filing also referenced requests for a 730 custody evaluation, drug testing, and a nanny to be present during visitation. A 730 evaluation is a court-ordered custody assessment often used when parents disagree over what arrangement is in a child’s best interests.
Thomas Denies Abuse And Seeks More Time
Thomas pushed back hard in his own filings.
He accused Willis of trying to damage, if not destroy, his relationship with their daughter. He also insisted he had never physically threatened Willis or mistreated their child.
“I have committed no acts of domestic violence in any form,” Thomas wrote. He also denied claims involving coercive control, drug abuse, or emotional or physical abuse of Louetta.
According to the filings, Thomas later filed an emergency ex parte request seeking expanded visitation and overnight visits. The court denied that emergency request in February, with a judge finding there was no showing of immediate danger, irreparable harm, or another legal basis for emergency relief.
Willis Recently Spoke About Relationship Breakdown
The custody battle comes shortly after Willis opened up about the painful end of the relationship on the ‘Inside Of You’ podcast.
She said attending a friend’s wedding became a turning point. “Your wedding was a huge reckoning moment for me,” Willis said. She added that hearing the vows made her realize her own relationship was never going to look like that, no matter how much effort she put in.
Willis and Thomas were first linked in May 2022. They welcomed Louetta in April 2023 and later separated in 2024.
Another hearing in the custody case is scheduled for June in Los Angeles Superior Court.
For now, both sides remain sharply divided. Willis is raising serious concerns about safety and parenting. Thomas says the claims are false and that he wants more time with his daughter.
