Emma Heming Willis, wife of the actor Bruce Willisreleased a statement asking the paparazzi to “keep your space” as they follow the 67-year-old actor, who was recently diagnosed with dementia.
Heming Willis posted a video on Instagram recounting a recent incident in which photographers attempted to speak to her husband as he made a rare public appearance to meet a group of friends over coffee in Santa Monica.
“If you are someone who cares for someone with dementia, you know how difficult and stressful it can be to bring someone into the world and navigate it safely, even just to have a cup of coffee,” she said. “It is clear that there is still a lot of education to be valued. So this one is for photographers and videographers trying to squeeze those exclusives out of my hubby. Just keep your space.
“I know it’s your job, but maybe just keep your space,” she continued. “Please don’t yell at my husband, don’t ask him how he’s doing, whatever. Woo-hooings and yippee-ki-yays – don’t. Give him space. Allow our family or the person who accompanies him that day to be able to take him from point A to point B in complete safety. This is my public service announcement.
His statement comes weeks after the family announcement that Willis’ aphasia had progressed to frontotemporal dementia, which is often diagnosed at a younger age than other forms of dementia. Symptoms can include personality changes, speech difficulties, and motor impairment.
Bruce and Emma have been married since 2009.