The wife of Bruce Willis has shared an emotional video urging the paparazzi to go easy when they see the actor in public.
On February 16, the 67-year-old Die Hard actor's family provided fans with an update - almost a year after disclosing that Willis had been diagnosed with aphasia.
In a joint statement shared by them, they revealed that Willis's condition has advanced and that now he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, which is known as FTD.
"Bruce's condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD)," they wrote. "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."
Read the joint family statement below:In a full statement on The Association for Frontotemporal Dementia website, the family described the condition as a "cruel disease," and went on to say that "FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know".
Now, Emma Heming Willis took to her Instagram page to ask photographers and videographers to keep a safe distance after the retired actor was spotted in Santa Monica last week, per Page Six.
The footage was captioned: "To other caregivers or dementia care specialists navigating this world…. Any tips or advice on how to get your loved ones out in the world safely?"
Watch Emma's video below:In the emotional plea, the 44-year-old model began by saying: "If you are someone who 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."
"I’m just seeing headlines and there’s a video of my husband out getting some coffee with some friends who did a stand-up job of protecting him," she said. After presumably taking a break, she continued: "It’s clear that there is 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: Just keep your space," she urged.
"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 how he’s doing or whatever - the woohooing and the yippee-ki-yays … just don’t do it. OK?" she added.
"Give him his space. Allow for our family or whoever’s with him that day to be able to get him from point A to point B safely," Emma concluded.
The Pulp Fiction actor's blended family has previously shared in a more detailed statement that as Willis' condition advances, they hope "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 family continued.
"We know in our hearts that - if he could today - he would want to respond by bringing global attention and connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families," they added.
Our hearts continue to go out to Bruce's family, friends, and fans at this time.
