Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis, has criticized the media narrative that there is 'no more joy' with the actor amid his dementia diagnosis.
Back in February 2023, the Willis family revealed that the legendary Die Hard star had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, following an aphasia diagnosis in 2022.
Heming Willis released a statement at the time to give fans further details on her husband's condition, writing: "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. Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately."
She addressed the actor's fans, stating that she and the family were thankful for the outpouring of support during this difficult time. "Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same," Heming Willis said. "We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time."
A year later, the 46-year-old shared a candid video on Instagram about being "clickbaited" by a headline about her family and her 68-year-old husband's health.
"I just got clickbaited. I’m just scrolling, minding my own business, and just saw a headline that had to do with my own family," she began her video message. "The headline basically says there is no more joy in my husband. Now, I can just tell you, that is far from the truth.
"I need society - and whoever’s writing these stupid headlines - to stop scaring people. Stop scaring people to think that once they get a diagnosis of some kind of neurocognitive disease that’s it. 'It’s over. Let’s pack it up. We’re - Nothing else to see here. We’re done.' No," she slammed.
Watch Heming Willis' video below:
The model said despite experiencing "grief and sadness," her family’s "new chapter" is filled with love, connection, joy, and happiness amid Willis' frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis.
She added: "That’s where we are. So stop with these stupid headlines. These stupid clickbaity things that freak people out. Stop doing that. There’s nothing to see here, okay?"
Many fans rushed to the comment section to share their love and support for the family, with one user writing: "I know that sometimes, silence and ignoring this is key for your own mental health. But taking time to actually acknowledge this and warn the world for a better good, it's remarkable.
"Thank you. It really makes a difference for people living this situation or about to. Thank you for all you do to help everyone living this new complicated chapter. You are an inspiration," they added.
Another shared: "Think you have a beautiful family and that as downright hard as the hard moments are… you are blessed to all have each other and the freedom to be there for each other during those moments of fear and grief. You will one day help those who are waiting for light at the end of their tunnel."
A third commented: "This is so well spoken and written…and yet it will sadly fall on deaf ears of the people that do this on the first place. What is also true (YES and - two ideas can coexist on the same situation) is that your message will hit on the eyes and ears of the people that read the headlines and feel the fear…and alleviate some of it. Thank you for your wisdom."
In a follow-up post, the mom-of-two detailed that the headlines were discouraging to the people providing care for people living with dementia.
"Care partners are already having a tough go in the support department," she penned in the caption. "These headlines that paint this constant doom and gloom picture of dementia are harmful to them as they try to build their support unit around them."
"Or could sway a person who is wanting to help, the other way. I just ask you to consider reframing this negative narrative around dementia. That would be so kind and generous to the next care partner and their loved one," she concluded.
Heming Willis married the Pulp Fiction actor in 2009 after two years of dating. The pair share two daughters: 11-year-old Mabel Ray Willis and nine-year-old Evelyn Penn Willis.
Willis is also a father to daughters Rumer Glenn Willis, 35; Scout LaRue Willis, 32; and Tallulah Belle Willis, 30; whom he shares with ex-wife Demi Moore.