Who Is Rumer Willis' Ex-Boyfriend? All About Derek Richard Thomas

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty

Rumer Willisand Derek Richard Thomas have called it quits.

The actressannounced their breakupon Instagram in August 2024 when a follower asked if she and Thomas were still a couple.

“Nope. I am single momming it and co-parenting,” Willis said, referring to the pair’s daughter,Louetta Isley Thomas Willis, whom they welcomed in April 2023. Louetta’s arrival also madeBruce WillisandDemi Mooregrandparents for the first time.

It’s unclear when Thomas and Willis started dating. However, the musician’s first Instagram tribute to theSorority Rowstar was penned in August 2022 and noted that they’d only been together for a “short time.”

So, who is Rumer Willis' ex-boyfriend? Here’s everything you need to know about Derek Richard Thomas.

He’s a musician

Vista Kicks Instagram

In February 2023, however, Thomas announced on Instagram that Vista Kicks was taking a break after the release of their latest project. “I will continue to make music as @derekrichardthomas, produce artists on @inthedrtrecords, but most importantly I am becoming a father!!,” hewrotealong with the news, adding that the band is “leaving the door open to come together in the future.”

Vista Kicks held their final show at The Fonda Theatre in L.A. on Feb. 17.

He’s a music producer

In addition to his own musical endeavors, Thomas is also a producer under his record labelIn the DRT Records. His first project as a producer involved the bandThe Hail Maries. Made up of sisters Victoria and Makayla Wymer, the group has toured with Thomas' Vista Kicks and collaborated on a joint album.

“I am so proud of @thehailmaries and honored to be a part of their lives,” he shared onInstagramafter the band released a new album. “This album means so much to me, there will never be another first time producing, I wouldn’t trade the experience of making this record for anything I hope you listen and enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it!”

He performed with Rumer and jammed with her dadand sister

Emma Heming Willis/Instagram

Rumer has also taken to the stage with her musical beau. In May 2022, she accompanied him and The Hail Maries for a live performance at Jam In The Van in Los Angeles to sing his song, “How Many Years.” Alongside avideofrom the evening, Rumer wrote that Thomas and his bandmates “are the most talented singers and songwriters I have heard in a very long time (maybe ever).”

Scout accompanied Thomas' band at The Fonda Theatre only a day after their familyannounced Bruce’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis. After her appearance, Scout wrote about the emotional timing of the performance onInstagram.

“I didn’t plan the timing but something larger than me did because damn there is no better way I can think to honor my dad than playing music,” she shared. “Last night was incredible and I feel so loved and so moved.”

He and Rumer welcomed a daughter in April 2023

Rumer Willis Instagram

“You are pure magic. You are more than we ever dreamed of,” the couple captioned a joint Instagram post, which featured little Louetta sleeping on a pillow.

In December 2023, Rumer and Thomas revealed they wereexpecting their first child together.

The pregnancy news was met with well wishes in the comment section from famous friends, includingParis Hilton,Jenna Dewan,Lisa Rinnaand others.

He and Rumer were “so excited” to become parents

During a February 2023 episode of Peggy Rometo and Kimberly Van Der Beek’s podcastBathroom Chronicles, Rumer discussed her and Thomas' excitement about becoming first-time parents.

“I was talking to my partner the other day and saying, ‘You know, when I go to the farmers market, I call it church because I leave and I feel so excited,’ " she said. “And the idea of being able to bring my kids in like a little cart or something brings me so much delight, I can’t even … I can’t wait.”

Rumer also opened up about how she’s always wanted to be a mother, saying “it was never a question for me thatI wanted to be a mom.” She added, “And that just felt like such a divine purpose and something that when I started thinking about it, felt like such joy.”

In a Valentine’s Daypostdedicated to Rumer, Thomas touched on their journey to parenthood, writing that he is “beyond grateful that we get to make a family together.”

source: people.com