Emma Heming Willis, wife of the “Die Hard” star, Bruce Willis, took to Instagram to plea with paparazzi to maintain a safe distance and refrain from yelling at her husband while in public.
Emma’s emotional video urged for more education and awareness about living with dementia, emphasizing the difficulty and stress of navigating her husband’s outings.
She shared a recent experience where photographers attempted to approach Willis during a rare public appearance in Santa Monica, causing unnecessary distress for the actor.
Respect Their Privacy
In the video, Emma addresses the photographers and video personnel who strive to get exclusives of her husband, requesting that they give Willis his space and not yell at him with the infamous “yippee ki-yays” or “woohoo” exclamations.
Emma asks that they allow for Willis and his companions to move safely from point A to point B, emphasizing the importance of protecting Willis’ privacy and ensuring his safety.
The Reality of Frontotemporal Dementia
Last month, Willis’ family disclosed that his speaking disorder, aphasia, had progressed to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia that causes progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, resulting in changes in personality, behavior, and language.
Emma’s plea comes as Willis and his family navigate the challenges of FTD while striving to maintain his privacy amidst paparazzi attention.
Navigating Dementia with Care
Emma’s video is a call for help to fellow caregivers and dementia care specialists who are navigating similar challenges. She requests tips and advice on how to get loved ones with dementia out in the world safely.
As Willis’ condition advances, Emma hopes that media attention can be focused on raising awareness and research for the disease. The family’s update on Willis’ condition serves as a reminder of the reality of FTD and the need for more education, awareness, and support for those living with the disease.