Bruce Willis is addressing backlash after he was spotted in a Rite Aid in Los Angeles without a face mask on. The "Die Hard" star caused a stir after photos emerged with him leaving the store with just a scarf around his neck on Sunday. It later emerged that Bruce allegedly "refused" to wear a mask and was kicked out of the store. In a statement to People, he admitted to making "an error in judgment."
"Be safe out there everyone and let's continue to mask up," he added.
According to Page Six, Bruce was asked to leave the store after upsetting other customers for his refusal to wear a mask. He left without making any purchase. It was not long before he began trending on Twitter for the ordeal.
"People are dying and Bruce Willis is refusing to wear a mask in a Rite Aid Pharmacy. If you’re applauding him for his petulant and callous behavior, you’re a clown, too," one Twitter user wrote.
"Why do privileged pompous pretend heroes refuse to mask up? This times it's Bruce Willis, refusing to wear a mask in a *pharmacy* of all places! Doesn't he know you 'Die Hard' when CoViD-19 takes away your ability to breath? Does he care if he's an asymptomatic superspreader?" another tweeted.
"Washed-up hack Bruce Willis was kicked out of a Rite Aid for not wearing a mask. Absolutely terrible role model and irresponsible behavior from a supposed 'icon.' Bruce should be ashamed of himself. Perhaps he’s preparing for his next role in the upcoming Die Hard in a Pharmacy," a third added.
At the start of the coronavirus pandemic last year, Bruce and Demi Moore, who got divorced nearly 20 years ago, raised eyebrows when it emerged that they were spending lockdown together in Idaho while Bruce's wife, Emma Heming Willis, was quarantining in Los Angeles with their two daughters.
Bruce's daughter Scout Willis, who was quarantined with her parents, later explained the situation. Bruce and Emma were meant to join the extended family in Idaho but a medical emergency held Emma back. Bruce decided to go up to the house early but then "travel got crazy," she said on the "Dopey" podcast, per USA Today.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.