LOS ANGELES: The ever-sarcastic Razzie Awards have retracted their special category for 'Worst Performance' by Bruce Willis, whose retirement due to illness was announced Wednesday.
"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," said a statement from Razzie cofounders John Wilson and Mo Murphy.
"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."
Wilson and Murphy added that "extenuating circumstances" also apply to Shelley Duvall in 'The Shining', reports 'Deadline'.
"We have since discovered that Duvall's performance was impacted by Stanley Kubrick's treatment of her throughout the production. We would like to take this opportunity to rescind that nomination as well."
The 42nd annual Razzies were held March 15. Known officially as the Golden Raspberry Awards, the "honours" recognise the worst of cinema.
Initially, the Razzies' Twitter account seemingly took a lighter approach to the Willis announcement.
"The Razzies are truly sorry for #BruceWillis diagnosed condition," the organisation tweeted on Wednesday.
"Perhaps this explains why he wanted to go out with a bang in 2021. Our best wishes to Bruce and family."
Outraged reactions to that tweet apparently caused some second thoughts, resulting in today's retraction.
The Razzies introduced the Willis category in February, inspired by his appearance in eight films in the last year, making for a total of 22 in the last four years.