Bruce Willis‘ His wife made an emotional plea to the paparazzi.
As previously reported, the 67-year-old actor’s family announced earlier this month that his aphasia has progressed to frontotemporal dementia – which can cause personality changes, speech difficulties, and motor impairment. So with the new diagnosis, Emma Heming has a simple request for the paps going forward – to keep their distance when they’re out in public. He showed the video to Instagram there, recalling the incident where the paparazzi tried to talk to Bruce during a rare public appearance to meet friends for coffee in Santa Monica:
“If you are someone who cares for someone with dementia, you know how difficult and stressful it is to get someone out into the world and navigate safely, even if it’s just to get a cup of coffee. I just saw the headline. And there’s a video of my husband out getting coffee with some a friend who does stand-up work to protect him.
Related: Bruce’s Family Reveals How To Help Him ‘Live As Well As He Can’
So choked up, Emma stopped filming to take time to collect herself. He then asked the paparazzi and videographers to “keep their space” and not shout at them Angel died stars in public when their loved ones try to get them somewhere safe. The 44-year-old said:
“It is clear that there is still a lot of education that needs attention. So this one is going out to photographers and video people who are trying to get an exclusive my husband out and about. Just keep your place. I know it’s your job, but it’s just saving your space. Don’t yell at my wife, ask how she is, or anything. That woo-hooing and yippee-ki-yay – just don’t do it.”
Emma then asked once more for everyone to stay back, concluding:
“Give me space. I hope the family or whoever is there that day can get them from point A to point B safely. That’s my PSA.”
In the caption, she also asked “other caregivers or dementia care specialists” for tips on “how to get your loved one out into the world safely.” Really, it’s too bad that he’s being harassed like this when he’s out in public. Hopefully, the paps heed her warning and keep their distance. You can watch her entire message (below):
[Image via Brian To/WENN]