Emma Heming Willis is addressing online backlash after revealing that her husband, Bruce Willis, has been moved to a separate home as his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) progresses. The family’s decision, discussed during ABC’s special Emma and Bruce: The Unexpected Journey with Diane Sawyer, has been met with both empathy and criticism.
Bruce Willis’ New Home for Specialized Care
Bruce Willis, 70, was first diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, which later progressed to FTD. Although he remains physically strong and mobile, the actor now struggles to recall much of his acting career. Emma, who serves as his primary caregiver, shared that Bruce has been moved to a nearby one-storey home designed to meet his specific medical needs. The residence features 24-hour care and a quieter environment, tailored to his current condition.
“It was one of the hardest decisions that I’ve had to make so far,” Emma explained. “But I knew, first and foremost, Bruce would want that for our daughters. You know, he would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs.” The couple’s daughters, Mabel (13) and Evelyn (11), remain central to this decision.
Emma Responds to Online Backlash
Emma’s disclosure sparked criticism online, with some accusing her of being “cold” or abandoning Bruce. Others questioned her role in the family estate, claiming she was prioritizing convenience over care. On August 29, 2025, Emma took to Instagram to address the critics directly.
In a heartfelt video, she said:
“What I knew was that by sharing some of our intimate information, we would see these two camps—it would be people with an opinion versus people with an actual experience… That is what caregivers are up against… Nothing changes an opinion quite as powerfully as when you have an experience… if they don’t have the experience of this, they don’t get a say, and they definitely don’t get a vote.”
Emma emphasized that only those with first-hand caregiving experience can truly understand the challenges families face when navigating dementia. Her Instagram post caption further elaborated:
“Too often, caregivers are judged quickly and unfairly by those who haven’t lived this journey or stood on the front lines of it. Sharing openly may invite opinions, but more importantly, it creates connection and validation for those actually navigating the realities of caregiving every day. That’s who I share for, and so I can build a deeper connection with a community that understands this journey.”
Life at Bruce’s New Home
Despite moving out of the family’s main residence, Bruce’s new home remains a hub of family life. Emma assured fans that she and the girls spend most of their time with him, and that Bruce continues to live surrounded by love, warmth, and laughter.
Since his diagnosis in 2023, Emma has become a vocal advocate for dementia awareness, chronicling the realities of caregiving on social media. Her memoir, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, will be released on September 9, 2025, offering an intimate look at her experiences.
