Bruce Willis' wife blasts accusations she's using his illness for her own '5 minutes of fame'

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By James Kay

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Bruce Willis' wife has hit back after she was accused of using her husband's recent dementia diagnosis for her own personal benefit.

Emma Heming Willis, 44, posted a candid video on Instagram last month where she revealed that the Hollywood A-Lister had been diagnosed with dementia after his condition deteriorated since his aphasia diagnosis was revealed last year.

Taking to the photo-sharing app, Heming Willis said: "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)."

She continued: "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."

The 44-year-old has now given a further update on her 67-year-old husband, where she responded to accusations that she has been using the media attention for her own "five minutes of fame."

Taking to Instagram, Heming Willis said: "I just saw something about me getting my five minutes, which is great, which means that you’re listening.

"So, I'm going to take my five minutes and I’m gonna turn it into 10 because I’m always going to advocate for my husband."

The 44-year-old revealed that she will be using her position to spread awareness about the disease as well as shining a light on caregivers across the globe.

She continued: "And then I’m going to turn my grief and my anger and my sadness into something good around something that feels less than."

Heming Willis concluded: "Watch this space because I didn't come to play."

The post was met with a positive reaction, with one comment reading: "As a Registered Nurse, I appreciate you being a patient advocate for your husband. Please don’t stop, we need people like you in the medical community!!! Hang in there. You are doing beautiful."

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Credit: Instagram

During the initial Instagram post where Heming Willis revealed the dementia diagnosis of the Die Hard star, she said: "Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same.

"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."

When Willis' family made news of his aphasia diagnosis public in March 2022, they revealed that he had to step away from acting. They wrote: "To Bruce's amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.

"As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him."

It is well known that Willis is close with his ex-wife Demi Moore, and the families often get together and share a good relationship, but Heming Willis shut down rumors that Moore had moved into the home to take care of her former husband.

"Let's nip this one in the bud. This is so dumb. Please stop," she wrote over a headline that read: "Demi Moore 'Moved In' With Ex Bruce Willis & And His Wife To Help Care For Him After Heartbreaking Dementia Diagnosis."

Our thoughts continue to be with Willis and his loved ones.

Featured image credit: BondIt / Buffalo 8 Productions / Album / Alamy