There’s a huge update in Rumer Willis‘ custody battle with ex Derek Richard Thomas!
As we have been reporting, the former couple have been locked in a contentious legal fight over custody of their 3-year-old daughter Louetta following their 2024 breakup. She has made several concerning allegations about him, including domestic violence. She even got momma Demi Moore involved in the case, who accused Derek of everything from throwing tantrums to being “aggressive,” and not financially or physically supporting Rumer or Louetta.
Related: Taylor Frankie Paul Scores Win In Custody Battle With Dakota Mortensen!
Derek vehemently denied all the allegations and threw out shocking claims of his own, including the accusation that his ex allegedly exploited their daughter in sponsored content that had “adult sexual humor” without his permission.
But the judge ain’t siding with Derek! According to court documents obtained by People on Thursday, Rumer was granted primary physical custody of their toddler. The parents will share joint legal custody, with Thomas getting parenting time every other weekend starting on June 20. The visits will be monitored by one of Rumer’s nannies but will transition to overnight visitation with no monitoring in August.
As for what happens next? The filing states the pair will both undergo a custody evaluation. Rumer and Derek were also ordered to participate in co-parenting counseling and to communicate only through a co-parenting app.
At this time, Rumer hasn’t reacted to the victory. Derek has, and he doesn’t seem upset about the outcome! His attorney, Mike Kretzmer, told People in a statement after the ruling:
“Mr. Thomas is very pleased with the interim determination by the court on the custody issues. Judge White was properly focused on the issues at hand and carefully weighed the evidence presented. We are pleased that the Court established a custody and visitation order that provides Mr. Thomas with a solid and meaningful opportunity to restore and grow his relationship with his daughter Louetta.”
The lawyer then added that they can’t wait to prove Derek is “loving, devoted and committed father to Loretta” in the future:
“We look forward to presenting further evidence that Mr. Thomas is a loving, devoted and committed father to Loretta when the court again hears this case. As I previously said, Mr. Thomas will try issues pertaining to custody of Louetta in court and will not distort matters by trying this case in the press.”
We’ll see what happens next in the custody case. But for now, this is a huge win for Rumer! Reactions, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments!
[Image via Rumer Willis/Derek Richard Thomas/Instagram]
