Rumer Willis’s former partner is Derek Richard Thomas, a musician who fronted the band Vista Kicks. The two share a daughter, Louetta, and Willis confirmed their separation in August 2024. Reports in 2026 describe custody proceedings and an interim order, though allegations reported from court filings remain disputed.
Who is Derek Richard Thomas?
Thomas is a musician and former lead vocalist of Vista Kicks. The band’s official about page lists him as “Voice,” while a 2019 profile by BMI identifies him as one of the group’s four members. BMI described Vista Kicks as four longtime friends from Roseville, California, who pursued music after high school.
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BMI’s 2019 profile noted that the band had headlined Los Angeles venues including the Troubadour and El Rey Theater, played festivals such as KAABOO Del Mar, SXSW, All Points East, and Camden Rocks, and supported acts including Bad Suns, Milky Chance, The Kooks, and the Rolling Stones. These are career details from that period, not confirmation of the band’s current touring status. BMI’s Vista Kicks profile
A 2018 V13 Media interview covered the band’s release Booty Shakers Ball and its vinyl edition. Thomas’s official FAQ lists former Vista Kicks releases and says he now releases music under his own name through Alchemy Pot Records; that is his own account of his current work. V13 Media’s interview with Vista Kicks · Thomas’s official FAQ
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Rumer Willis and Derek Richard Thomas: relationship timeline
- May 2022: Us Weekly’s retrospective timeline notes that they appeared together in social posts and musical performances before their relationship became public.
- November 2022: They made their relationship public on Instagram.
- December 2022: Willis announced she was pregnant with their first child.
- April 18, 2023: They welcomed their daughter, Louetta Isley Thomas Willis. Us Weekly reported that she was born at home.
- August 22–23, 2024: Willis confirmed their separation in an Instagram Story, as reported by Us Weekly the following day.
In the reported Story, Willis said, “I am single-moming it and coparenting,” and added, “I’m so grateful for Lou. She is the best thing in my life.” Us Weekly’s August 23, 2024 report and relationship timeline covered the announcement and earlier milestones.
Thomas’s official FAQ says he and Willis were not married. Their relationship and co-parenting are distinct from a marriage or divorce proceeding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What has been reported about custody?
Two 2026 reports describe custody proceedings concerning Louetta. They report procedural developments and claims made in filings; the accusations should not be treated as established findings.
Proceedings and disputed claims
A May 27, 2026 Us Weekly report said Thomas initiated proceedings in California in 2025 and Willis also filed in Idaho. It reported that a California court later found California to be the proper venue. The article attributed claims about relocation, visitation, and conduct to the parents’ respective filings. It also reported that Thomas denied Willis’s allegations of drug abuse. These are contested claims, not findings of fact. Us Weekly’s May 27, 2026 report
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Reported interim order
A June 11, 2026 Just Jared report, citing court documents obtained by People, said an interim order gave Willis primary physical custody and both parents joint legal custody. It also described a visitation schedule for Thomas, custody evaluations, co-parenting counseling, and use of a co-parenting app. This is a reported interim arrangement, not confirmation of a permanent final resolution. Just Jared’s June 11, 2026 report
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