Bruce Willis’s wife fires back at backlash over moving ‘Die Hard’ star home

Emma Heming Willis stands up for her caregiving choices

Emma Heming Willis has responded to harsh criticism after revealing that her husband Bruce Willis now lives in a separate home with professional caregivers. The former model defended her decision to move the Die Hard star to a separate residence as his frontotemporal dementia progresses.

She emphasized that caregivers face unfair judgment from people who lack experience with such challenging situations. The 47-year-old spoke out after facing backlash following her ABC interview with Diane Sawyer.

The challenging diagnosis that changed everything

Bruce Willis was first diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022, which affects language and communication abilities. By February 2023, his family received a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, a progressive brain disease.

Emma described the initial diagnosis as devastating, leaving her feeling frozen with fear and confusion. She walked out of the appointment with just a pamphlet and little hope for the future.

Making the hardest decision as a caregiver

Emma revealed that moving Bruce to a specialized home was “one of the hardest decisions” she has ever made. She explained that the 70-year-old actor now lives in a one-story house with full-time professional caregivers.

The decision prioritized the wellbeing of their daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, aged 13 and 11. “Bruce would want that for our daughters. He would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs,” Emma told Diane Sawyer.

Creating two camps of opinion versus experience

Emma observed that sharing their story created distinct reactions from the public. She noted there were “people with an opinion versus people with an actual experience” when it comes to caregiving situations.

Those without firsthand knowledge often judge caregivers quickly and unfairly, adding unnecessary stress to already difficult circumstances.

The model emphasized that criticism from inexperienced individuals lacks credibility and impact. She firmly stated that those without relevant experience “don’t get a say” in such personal family matters.

The reality of living with frontotemporal dementia

Bruce remains physically mobile and in good overall health, but his brain is failing him according to Emma. His language abilities are diminishing significantly, making communication increasingly challenging for the family.

The condition affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, impacting behavior, personality, and speech patterns. Emma has learned to adapt to new ways of communicating with her husband of 16 years.

Maintaining family connections despite separation

Emma ensures continuity by bringing their daughters to have breakfast and dinner with Bruce regularly. The family treats it as their second home where the girls keep personal belongings.

Many of Bruce’s friends continue to visit and bring life and fun to his environment. These connections help maintain the vibrant atmosphere that reflects the actor’s personality throughout his career.

Recognizing the early warning signs

Emma first noticed concerning changes when Bruce began skipping activities he previously enjoyed, like taking their daughters to school. The typically warm and affectionate actor became quiet and seemed to “melt” during family gatherings.

These subtle symptoms, which Emma describes as FTD “whispering” rather than shouting, made it difficult to pinpoint when the illness began. The changes were gradual and initially attributed to other factors like stress or aging.

The blended Willis family’s united approach

Bruce maintains strong relationships with his three adult daughters from his marriage to Demi Moore: Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah. The entire family has rallied together to support both Bruce and Emma throughout this journey.

Scout Willis once told Emma she was more worried about her stepmother than her father. This observation helped Emma realize she needed professional support and treatment for her own depression.

Facing isolation and seeking help

Initially, Emma tried to handle caregiving responsibilities alone, staying awake at night to ensure Bruce’s safety. She isolated the family from social gatherings and stopped hosting playdates to create a more comfortable environment.

This self-imposed isolation was designed to protect Bruce but ultimately harmed the entire family’s wellbeing.

Looking back, Emma acknowledges she waited too long to seek help and support. Professional caregivers eventually became essential for both Bruce’s needs and the family’s mental health.

The power of sharing personal experiences

Emma decided to speak publicly about their journey to help other caregivers feel less alone. She emphasized that sharing intimate details creates connection and validation for those navigating similar realities.

The model acknowledged that public sharing invites opinions but prioritizes supporting fellow caregivers over avoiding criticism. She believes her story can provide the roadmap she wished she had received after Bruce’s diagnosis.

Writing The Unexpected Journey

Emma authored a book titled The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path. The book offers guidance she wished she had received on the day of Bruce’s diagnosis.

She dedicated the work to Bruce and their daughters, calling it a supportive guide for other caregivers.

“Taking care of yourself is not optional; it’s mandatory. It will make you a better care partner,” the book emphasizes. Emma stresses that self-care isn’t selfish but rather self-preserving for effective caregiving.

Responding to loud and noisy criticism

Emma described the negative reactions as “so loud and so noisy,” but maintained that critics without experience lack validity. The criticism ranges from questioning her decisions to accusations about her motivations.

Despite expecting judgment, Emma continues sharing her story because it serves a greater purpose. She remains focused on helping other caregivers rather than silencing uninformed critics.

Glimpses of the man Bruce once was

Emma treasures fleeting moments when Bruce displays his characteristic laugh and personality. She described seeing “that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk” that transports her back to happier times.

“As quickly as those moments appear, then it goes,” Emma explained, snapping her fingers to demonstrate the brevity. Despite the pain, she expresses gratitude that her husband is still present in their lives.

Building awareness for frontotemporal dementia

Emma praised the ABC special for successfully amplifying FTD awareness and highlighting caregiver experiences. Frontotemporal dementia affects approximately 50,000 to 60,000 people across America, but remains relatively unknown compared to other forms of dementia.

The condition typically strikes at a younger age than Alzheimer’s, with a mean onset around 56 years old.

Dr. Bruce Miller at their San Francisco site plans to create an “Emma Willis roadmap for caregivers” to help other families. This initiative demonstrates the broader impact of Emma’s advocacy efforts.

Safety concerns and specialized care needs

Bruce requires constant supervision because his illness affects brain areas that recognize and assess risk. The single-story home design makes navigation easier and safer for him as mobility becomes more challenging.

Professional caregivers provide round-the-clock support to ensure his well-being and safety. Emma visits at least twice daily and maintains that the arrangement benefits everyone involved.

The specialized environment allows Bruce to receive appropriate care while protecting their daughters from daily caregiving stress.

Want to know more about Bruce Willis’ journey? Read Emma Heming’s touching update on his health.

Moving forward with love and dignity

Emma remains committed to maintaining Bruce’s dignity while prioritizing her family’s well-being throughout this journey. She emphasizes that love endures beyond every challenge and that Bruce’s spirit remains a constant companion.

Their story demonstrates that caregiving requires difficult decisions made with love and practical considerations. Emma’s advocacy helps normalize conversations about dementia care and the complex choices families must navigate.

Alongside defending Bruce, Emma has also shared a heartbreaking Father’s Day tribute you won’t want to miss.

Do you agree with how Emma handled the backlash? Let us know in the comments!

Read More From This Brand:

• Don Johnson’s Touching Tribute to Bruce Willis
• Bruce Willis’ Daughter Tallulah’s Journey With Autism
• Celebrity advocates for mental health awareness on World Brain Day

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and with human editing.