Emma Heming Willis becomes emotional talking about the criticism received for moving Bruce Willis into a separate home.

Emma Heming Willis became emotional while talking about public reactions to her choice to live separately from her husband, Bruce Willis. These decisions are incredibly difficult. Im getting emotional just thinking about them. They were never part of the life I imagined, Emma, 47, shared at the End Well 2025 conference in Los Angeles on November 20. I had to prioritize the safety and well-being of our family, and I knew being honest about it would invite judgment.

Emma emphasized that criticism mostly comes from outsiders, while her family has been overwhelmingly supportive. They understand the situation, and I am fortunate to have such a loving blended family, she said during the panel. Bruces mother, in her 90s, his siblings, and cousins have all been incredibly supportive and never judgmental.

Earlier, in the ABC special Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey aired in August, Emma revealed that she and Bruce, 70, live in separate homes due to his ongoing battle with frontotemporal dementia.

Living Arrangements Explained

At the End Well conference, Emma shared that she sought therapy before publicly discussing their living situation. The amount of criticism and judgment was eye-openingpeople questioning how I could make this choice, she said. But unless someone is on the front lines, living in that house day in and day out, they dont have a say.

Emma and Bruce, married in 2009, are parents to daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. This arrangement is the safest and healthiest for our family. Our childrens needs are now fully met, she explained. They can enjoy playdates, sleepovers, and experiences they wouldnt have otherwise. Bruces world has opened up as well.

Despite some backlash, Emma felt a sense of relief after publicly addressing Bruces health challenges. Dementia is unpredictable, she said. Caregiving is complicated, and you have to go with the flow.

Bruces aphasia diagnosis was made public in March 2022, with his condition advancing to frontotemporal dementia the following year. During the ABC special, Emma described Bruce as still very mobile, though his speech has been significantly affected. Weve adapted our way of communicating with him, its different but it works, she added.

Emma also noted to Diane Sawyer that she and their daughters visit Bruce often. Its our second home. The girls have their belongings there, and the house is full of love, warmth, and laughter, she said.

Author: Sophia Brooks