Bruce Willis’ wife: “Give him space”

Emma Heming Willis, who is the wife of actor Bruce Willis, has asked the media to “keep their space” and not to yell at him.  Willis was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Heming Willis posted a video to Instagram where members of the media attempted to speak to Willis while he was having coffee with friends.

“If you are someone that 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,” she said.

Heming Willis then added;

“In the spirit of raising awareness around dementia, 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 the video people that are trying to get those exclusives of my husband out and about: Just keep your space.”

“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 him how he’s doing, or whatever, the woo-hooing and the yippee ki-yay’s – just don’t do it.”

“Give him the 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. That’s my PSA.”

She then asked for advice from those in a similar situation.

 “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? Please share below.”

Relates of Willis, 67, announced that he would be “stepping away” from acting following the diagnosis.

“As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research,” his relatives said.

According to the UK NHS, the average survival period of someone with FTD is between 8 to 10 years.