Willis sheds tears over firework injury

Bruce Willis is suing Revolution Studios for "substantial injuries" caused by a rogue firework during the filming of the 2002 action movie Tears of th

13:48 24 November 2004

Bruce Willis is suing Revolution Studios for "substantial injuries" caused by a rogue firework during the filming of the 2002 action movie Tears of the Sun.

The actor complained of "extreme mental, physical and emotional pain and suffering" caused after a small pyrotechnic device, a 'squib', hit him on the forehead on set.

Designed to "simulate the appearance of bullets striking the ground", the explosions were used for the 49-year-old's role as a Special Operations commander leading a dangerous Nigerian jungle rescue.

But the actor, best known for his hard nut roles in films such as Die Hard, has now filed for medical expenses against the Hollywood studio that produced the box office flop.

While not claiming for any monetary damages, the lawsuit notes that Willis was "required to and did employ physicians and other medical personnel" and will incur future medical expenses.

A complaint has also been filed against special effects foreman Joe Pancake who "had a duty to Willis to ensure that the squibs were inspected, set up, placed and detonated in a safe manner, and to employ technicians who were trained and competent in their use".