Bruce Willis
(Picture: REUTERS)The Razzies have rescinded a “worst performance” of the year award handed to Bruce Willis after learning of his aphasia diagnosis.
Earlier this week, the Die Hard actor’s family revealed he would be retiring over the cognitive condition, which impacts the ability to speak and understand others.
In February, the parody awards had ‘nominated’ Willis for eight of his performances this year in a category named specifically after him, ‘Worst performance by Bruce Willis in a 2021 movie’.
They named his role in Cosmic Sin as the winner.
The Razzies has now said it would rescind the award.
“After much thought and consideration, the Razzies have made the decision to rescind the Razzie Award given to Bruce Willis, due to his recently disclosed diagnosis,” it said in a statement.
“If someone’s medical condition is a factor in their decision making and/or their performance, we acknowledge that it is not appropriate to give them a Razzie.”
Announcing Willis’s diagnosis, his family, including ex-wife Demi Moore, said in a statement: “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.”
The Razzies sparked backlash when they tweeted not long after the family’s statement.
“The Razzies are truly sorry for #BruceWillis diagnosed condition,” the tweet read.
“Perhaps this explains why he wanted to go out with a bang in 2021. Our best wishes to Bruce and family.”
Among those criticising the statement were Full Metal Jacket actor, Vincent D’Onofrio, who said: “Look away from fanfare and see humanity. See kindness. Do not judge others until you lived in their shoes.”
The awards later clarified it only knew of Willis’s diagnosis after it was made public in the family’s statement.
It also rescinded a decades-old nomination for Shelley Duvall, for her performance in The Shining.
It said that Stanley Kubrick’s treatment of her throughout the production affected her performance.
