Rumer Willis’ Ex Derek Richard Thomas Denies Drug Use, Claims Willis Is Interfering with Mandated Access to 3-Year-Old Daughter

In a recent court declaration, Derek Richard Thomas has accused his ex-partner, actress Rumer Willis, of deliberately obstructing his access to their three-year-old daughter, Louetta. The filing, submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court on August 27, elaborates on Thomas’s assertions that Willis has taken numerous steps to hinder their relationship.

Thomas’s declaration surfaced amid ongoing custody disputes between the former couple, which intensified in July 2025 when he initially filed for custody and visitation rights. His current claims provide further insight into the complexities of their custody arrangement, which has already been a source of tension since the beginning.

In the document, Thomas denied previous allegations made by Willis regarding substance abuse. Willis had suggested that Thomas was under the influence of marijuana to the extent that it compromised his ability to care for Louetta, leading her to seek mandatory drug testing for him. However, Thomas staunchly rejected these claims. He detailed, “I reject completely and without reservation Respondent’s claims concerning my alleged abuse of drugs, any conduct on my part that endangers Louetta, and any failure at efforts to cooperate with her and to co-parent Louetta.”

The custody arrangement granted Willis primary physical custody of Louetta, allowing Thomas visitation every other weekend, starting June 20. However, Thomas claims that since this arrangement, he has faced consistent challenges. He asserts the judge had stipulated that his visits with Louetta would initially be supervised for six weeks, after which he was expected to transition to unsupervised visitations.

According to Thomas, Willis has repeatedly provided excuses for the lack of unmonitored visits. He reported an incident where she allegedly suggested that she would revoke all supervision for future visits on the condition that Thomas agree to have someone of her choosing present at his wedding to Lizzie Loch scheduled for October. This purported message was included in the court filing, highlighting the ongoing tension in their co-parenting dynamic.

In his declaration, Thomas recounted a series of disputes related to the monitors assigned to supervise his time with Louetta. He described an instance in July where he objected to the presence of a specific monitor during his visitation. While waiting for a new monitor to arrive, he claims that Willis arrived at his home with police, who deemed the situation a civil matter.

Thomas recounted a particularly distressing encounter, stating, “Respondent took Louetta from my care roughly forty minutes into my visitation time, with police present, and without any reason connected to Louetta‘s safety or wellbeing.” He noted that Louetta appeared upset during the separation, indicating the emotional toll such incidents might be having on their daughter.

The latest filing from Thomas was made in response to an ex parte application by Willis, who is seeking to vacate the June 9 custody order. He has requested that the court maintain the existing arrangement, reflecting the ongoing high-stakes nature of their legal battle.

The couple’s custody issues spotlight a larger discussion surrounding parental disputes and the emotional impacts on children. Throughout their arguments, Willis has accused Thomas of emotional abuse, claiming his behaviour has resulted in distress for Louetta. In her court filings, she referred to Thomas’s conduct as “coercive control,” asserting it has left Louetta “traumatized” and adversely affected her emotional wellbeing.

This complex parental conflict reflects the often tumultuous nature of custody disputes, particularly when allegations of abuse and substance misuse arise. As Thomas continues to assert his right as a father, the court’s decisions will likely hinge on assessments of both the veracity of the claims made and the best interests of Louetta.

The ongoing case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by families navigating broken relationships, especially when there are children involved. Both parties appear committed to ensuring their voices are heard as they strive for a resolution amid their ongoing custody battle. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus will remain on the welfare of Louetta, whose emotional needs must be prioritised amid the contention between her parents.