Razzies Rescind Their Bruce Willis Award Following Backlash Due To Aphasia Diagnosis

Published on April 1, 2022.

(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

The Razzie Awards have rescinded their “Worst Performance by Bruce Willis in 2021” award following news of the actor’s recent health issues.

“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,” cofounders John Wilson and Mo Murphy said in a statement to Us Weekly. “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.”

The Razzie Awards, known for their comical take on the Academy Awards, recently faced backlash about giving Bruce Willis the award. The Twitter account for the awards show shared on Wednesday, “The Razzies are truly sorry for #BruceWillis diagnosed condition. Perhaps this explains why he wanted to go out with a bang in 2021. Our best wishes to Bruce and family,” adding, “To clarify, we heard about Willis’ diagnosis at the same time everyone else did … just this morning.”

Willis’ loved ones took to social media on Wednesday morning to reveal that the actor would be “stepping away” from his acting career following his diagnosis. “As a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia,” the Instagram statement read. “As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”

The social media post also noted that his aphasia diagnosis has been “impacting his cognitive abilities” in recent years. “This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support,” his family concluded.