Fans Call Bruce Willis' Daughter Tallulah a 'Rockstar' as She Shares Candid Health Update: 'Bravo to You'
Tallulah Willis, the middle daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, is giving her followers an open and honest look at the "pain beneath my eyes" after being diagnosed with an eating disorder known as ARFID.
The 30-year-old took to Instagram on Wednesday, July 17 to share a snapshot of herself taken in a rehabilitation center in Texas, where she was required to "show proof of eating."
In the photo, she sat at an outdoor table with a folded piece of pizza clamped between her teeth as she passed another plated slice out of frame. Her eyes were glassy, as if she were crying, and she called out "the pain beneath my eyes," admitting she felt "humiliated" at the time before adding, "I love her so much."
During her time in the center, she was diagnosed with ARFID, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
Unlike most other eating disorders, ARFID isn't a result of a "distorted self-image or an attempt to lose body weight," according to the Cleveland Clinic, but rather due to "fear and anxiety about food or the consequences of eating." People with ARFID may avoid eating due to the fear of choking or vomiting or decline food because of "unwanted color, taste, texture or smell."
Tallulah, who has also been very forthcoming since receiving her autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, as well as her struggle with dermatillomania, a disorder that causes her to impulsively pick her skin, pointed to a young friend named Hannah, who "documents her journey through ARFID challenges" on social media, and encouraged anyone "confused and struggling" to remember that they're "not alone."
Her followers were touched by the honesty and vulnerability shared in the post, with one replying, "What a brave human. I’m so sorry for that girl in the photo, and so proud of you for still acknowledging her and trying to heal. ??."
Many shared that they, or their children, also suffer from the disorder, and thanked her for shining a light on the diagnosis and its impact.
"I have recently begun to research and after talking to his pediatrician suspect that my 9 year old son has Arfid," one revealed. "I love to see you thriving. This gives my heart hope for him ????."
"Bravo to you for identifying this disorder and shining a light," another wrote. "My daughter has suffered since the age of 5 (she’s 14) and there’s so much shame involved. She’s been educating her peers at school and that has helped her feel understood. Stay strong and thank you ????."
"You are a rockstar and we’re so proud of you!!!" Hannah's mother sent support as well. "Hannah’s excited to see you soon! ??."
Next: Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s Daughter Tallulah Calls Out ‘Cruel’ Comment Referencing Her Dad