Bruce Willis’ Family Struggles With Fallout as Wife Emma Prepares to Release Personal Memoir on His Dementia Battle

Die Hard legend Bruce Willis’ family and friends are feeling betrayed, sources say, after his wife announced the upcoming release of her memoir — a deeply personal account of caring for the 70-year-old actor during his heartbreaking battle with dementia.

Emma Heming Willis, 46, insists The Unexpected Journey — which is slated to drop in September — is “shaped by love” and meant to inspire and support other caregivers. But sources say the project is triggering major tension behind the scenes — and could open a Pandora’s box that the family may not be able to close.

“Nobody’s feeling good about it,” an insider admits. “People understand Emma’s grief and that her experience might be able to help others in similar situations. But using Bruce’s name to sell a book, while he’s still battling aphasia and dementia at home with the family.”

“It feels way too soon — and way too public.”

The book’s cover — featuring a touching photo of Emma and Bruce — ignited emotional reactions. Some fans praised the apparent vulnerability shown by the addled actor in the image. But sources suggest that family insiders are deeply put off.

“She’s been doing interviews, posting constantly, and now she’s gearing up for a full-scale book tour,” a friend says. “Some of us feel Bruce deserves more protection — not more publicity.”

In 2022, Bruce was diagnosed with aphasia, an irreversible and debilitating condition that affects the ability to communicate. But the next year, his family shared that he had been further diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Since then, Emma has stepped into the spotlight as an advocate — but now insiders fear she may be stepping too far.

“She means well,” another source stresses. “But grief is messy. Once you turn something this painful into a public attempt to sell something, you lose control over what happens next.”

An insider explains, “This book invites scrutiny. How long was Bruce really sick before it was announced? Who knew? Was enough done to protect him?”

Another insider puts it grimly: “Once you open the gates, you can’t stop the flood. The [media] circus is coming — and there’s no turning back.”