A lawyer representing actor Bruce Willis has insisted that the star "wanted to work" after it was alleged that a producer continued to work with him despite knowing about his health issues.
According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, producer Randall Emmett - who worked with Willis on a number of films - knew the actor had been struggling during filming but allowed him to continue.
Willis has aphasia - a condition that can cause comprehension problems with speech and words.
In response to the LA Times piece, Willis' lawyer Martin Singer said: "My client continued working after his medical diagnosis because he wanted to work and was able to do so, just like many others diagnosed with aphasia who are capable of continuing to work.
"Because Mr. Willis appeared in those films, they could get financed. That resulted in literally thousands of people having jobs, many during the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
According to the LA Times, during the filming of Midnight in the Switchgrass, Emmett told his then-fiance Lala Kent: “I can’t do this anymore. It’s just so sad. Bruce can’t remember any of his lines. He doesn’t know where he is.”
In a statement provided to the LA Times, Emmett said he was not aware "of any decline in Mr. Willis' health".
A representation for Emmett told Us Weekly that he was "very proud of the work he and Bruce Willis have done over the last 15 years" and that "if Bruce had not wanted to be on set, he would not have been there".
The representative continued: "Willis is one of the greatest actors of his time and was sought after by multiple production companies until his recent retirement. Randall counts him among his closest friends."
In March of this year, the 67-year-old 'Die Hard' star announced that he was retiring from acting after being diagnosed with the condition.
Disclosing the news to fans on social media, the Willis family said it had been a “really challenging time” for them and thanked fans for their “continued love, compassion and support”.
“To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” they said.
"As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.
“This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support.
“We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him.
“As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up’ and together we plan to do just that.”
