Content Advisory: This article discusses custody proceedings, allegations of controlling behavior, emotional distress, and co-parenting conflict. Reader discretion is advised.
Rumer Willis’ custody battle with ex Derek Richard has taken another tense turn.
The actress was granted physical custody of their 3-year-old daughter, Louetta, as part of the ongoing legal fight. But while the ruling gives Willis a major win, Richard is pushing back against the way he says he has been treated by Willis and her mother, Demi Moore.
Richard has accused Willis and Moore of unfairly portraying him and restricting his access to his daughter.
The case now sits at the center of a painful family dispute involving custody, visitation, relocation, and serious claims from both sides.
Willis Was Granted Physical Custody
Court documents reportedly confirmed that Willis was granted physical custody of Louetta.
She and Richard will continue to share joint legal custody. Richard was also given a visitation schedule, with parenting time set for every other weekend beginning June 20.
At first, one of Willis’ nannies must be present during visits. The arrangement is expected to transition into overnight visitation without monitoring in the coming months.
Willis and Richard were also ordered to complete a custody evaluation. They must attend co-parenting counseling and communicate through a co-parenting app.
Richard’s attorney, Mike Kretzmer, told PEOPLE that his team and client were pleased with the ruling because it gives Richard the chance to build a meaningful relationship with his daughter.
Richard Accused Willis And Moore Of Blocking Access
Richard has disputed allegations made by Willis and Moore, insisting he has been unfairly accused and publicly portrayed in a damaging way. He claimed Willis has taken part in what he described as a media smear campaign against him.
Richard also said he has been shut out of decisions about whether Louetta appears in content that includes mature humor.
According to his filing, his attempts to be part of his daughter’s life have been met with conditions he considers impossible.
The filing also addressed Willis’ relocation to Idaho. Richard claimed Willis originally planned to move because of air-quality concerns after the 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles, but later wanted to make the move permanent. He also pushed back against allegations involving drug use and challenged claims that he failed to provide financial support.
Demi Moore Gave Her Own Account
Moore previously submitted a court declaration in January, accusing Richard of controlling behavior during his relationship with Willis.
She specifically described tension around Louetta’s birth. According to Moore, Richard entered the tub during Willis’ home birth without asking permission, making those present uncomfortable until Willis asked him to leave.
Moore also claimed the tension continued after Louetta was born, especially when visitors came to the home. In her filing, Moore described conflict over childcare and living conditions for the child.
Willis also cited coercive control and emotional distress in her own filing.
Richard has denied inappropriate conduct and maintains that he has been unfairly characterized.
Willis Said She Knew The Relationship Was Over
Willis has also spoken publicly about realizing her relationship with Richard had ended emotionally.
She said the turning point came while attending her best friend’s wedding in 2024. As she listened to the couple’s vows, she began confronting what she wanted from a partnership. Willis said the moment forced her to admit that she might not get the kind of relationship she wanted with Richard.
She later said leaving was difficult, but her daughter gave her the strength to stay firm in her decision.
Willis has also been open about single motherhood. In an emotional video, she said motherhood brings deep joy, but also difficult days. She said parenting alone can feel overwhelming, even though Louetta is an easy child to manage.
Custody Win Does Not End The Fight
The latest ruling gives Willis a clearer custody structure, but the conflict is not over.
Richard now has scheduled visitation and a path toward more independent parenting time. Willis keeps physical custody, while both parents remain tied together through joint legal custody, counseling, and court-ordered co-parenting rules.
Moore’s involvement has made the case even more high-profile. What might have remained a private custody dispute has become a public family drama involving one of Hollywood’s most recognizable names.
For Willis, the ruling is a major step forward. For Richard, it is a chance to rebuild access to his daughter while continuing to challenge the claims made against him.
Whether the arrangement leads to calmer co-parenting or more court battles remains unclear.
