After going through a difficult time, Bruce Willis and his family finally stood up to the paparazzi to respect their privacy. Emma Heming Willis posted a video on social media and instructed everyone not to yell or disturb the actor as he's already been through hell because of his condition.
The Die Hard actor's wife, Emma Heming Willis, has asked paparazzi to avoid approaching him and maintain their distance.
Bruce Willis, 67, was publicly seen for the first time since his family revealed that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. According to pictures and footage obtained by the Daily Mail, the Die Hard actor left for the day on Thursday with two friends.
The actor wore a black watch, black jeans, a blue sweater, and a grey beanie while out and about.
Last Thursday, as Bruce and his buddies sat down for coffee, cameras started following them. For Emma, this was the point she decided to stand up for her husband.
Hemming explained in the video clip she posted on Instagram, "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 to navigate them safely, even just to get a cup of coffee."
To set boundaries, Emma stated, "It's clear that there's still a lot of education that needs to be put forth. So this one is going out to the photographers and video people trying to get my husband's exclusives out and about. Just keep your space."
The actor's most recent coffee run in Santa Monica, California, was mentioned by Emma. After difficult weeks, Bruce was out in public for the first time with two companions, and the paparazzi shouted at him to grab his attention.
He had been identified as having a "cruel disease" which can result in sluggishness, stiffness, balance issues, and changes in behavior or speech.
"I know this is your job, but maybe just keep your space. Please don't be yelling at my husband, asking how he's doing, whatever," Emma instructed.
"While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis," his wife, Emma Heming Willis, stated.
Soon after the family announced in a joint statement that Bruce had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, Emma made the request (FTD).
Bruce has two children with Emma Heming Willis and three more with his ex-wife, Demi Moore.
The family answered, "FTD is a cruel disease many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, 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."
Even though there are "no treatments" for the sickness, Willis' family believes that "any media attention" can raise awareness of the condition.
The family described how Bruce's friendships paid off and care echoed, saying, "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 all of us."
Even though there is no cure, the family explained how compassion from friends and family could positively change Bruce's behavior. It was reported, "We have been so moved by the love you 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 Bruce was diagnosed with aphasia in March of last year, his family announced that he would quit performing. Aphasia is a condition that can make it difficult for someone to understand written and spoken language and talk, write, and read.
Heming, 44, said she struggled with "paralyzing" grief months after receiving the diagnosis. She stated on social media that she was learning how to coexist with it.
The actress continued by quoting Willis' daughter Scout, age 31, who said, "Grief is the deepest and purest form of love. I hope you find some comfort in that too."
