Bruce Willis’ Wife Begs Paparazzi To Leave Him Alone After He’s Diagnosed With Dementia

Last month, we reported that the Hollywood star Bruce Willis had been diagnosed with dementia. Now, his wife Emma Heming Willis is begging the paparazzi to leave the 67 year-old former Die Hard star alone.

Heming Willis Issues Plea To Paparazzi

Fox News reported that Heming Willis took to Instagram to respond to a video that had made the rounds on social media last week showing her husband getting coffee with friends. 

“If you are someone that is looking after someone with dementia,you know how difficult and stressful it can be to get someone out into the world and just to navigate them safely, even just to get a cup of coffee,” she said in her own video. 

Heming Willis went on to praise her husband’s friends that were in the paparazzi video, saying that they did “a stand-up job of protecting him,” before she had to cut the video as she became emotional. 

“In the spirit of raising awareness around dementia … it’s clear that there’s still a lot of education that needs to be put forth, so this one is going out to the photographers and the video people that are trying to get those ‘exclusives’ of my husband out and about,” she then continued. 

Related: Bruce Willis Receives Devastating Dementia Diagnosis

‘Just Keep Your Space’

“Just keep your space,” Heming Willis requested. “I know this is your job, but maybe just keep your space. For the video people, please don’t be yelling at my husband, asking me how he’s doing, the ‘woo-hoo’-ing and the ‘yippy-ki-yays,’ please don’t do it, OK?”

After once again asking for Willis to be given space, his wife called on the paparazzi to let whoever is with him “to get him from Point A to Point B safely.”

Heming Willis took to the caption of the video to write, “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?”

Check out her video for yourself below.

Daily Mail reported that this came after Willis was seen in public last week for the first time since his family announced his diagnosis. He is the father of three adult daughters with his ex-wife Demi Moore, and of two daughters ages 10 and 8 with Heming Willis, who he’s been married to for fourteen years.

Related: James Woods Pays Touching Tribute To Bruce Willis After Learning Of His Career-Ending Diagnosis

Willis Diagnosed With Dementia

Willis retired from acting one year ago after being diagnosed with aphasia, and his family announced last month that he’s since received a dementia diagnosis.

“Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD),” his family said in a statement posted to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website. “Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”

They went on to say that there is “no treatment” for FTD, and that they hope that as Willis suffers from it in the years ahead, “any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.”

“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” the statement added. “We know in our hearts that – if he could today — he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.”

“Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same,” the family concluded. “It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”

This is clearly an extremely difficult time for Willis and his family. Please join us in saying a prayer for them, and for the paparazzi to give them the privacy that they deserve.