CNN —
The Razzies have apologized and removed child actor Ryan Kiera Armstrong from their annual nomination list.
Armstrong was nominated for Worst Actress by The Golden Raspberry Awards (the formal name for the Razzies) this week for her performance in “Firestarter,” a satire on Hollywood awards shows that bills itself as a celebration of the best of the worst in cinema.
There was backlash as Armstrong is only 12 years old.
“Sometimes you do things without thinking, then you are called to do it. Then you get it. That’s why the Razzies were founded in the first place,” John B. Wilson, co-founder of the Razzies, said in a statement Wednesday.
“Recent valid criticism of the selection of 11-year-old (sic) Armstrong as a nominee for one of our awards has made us aware of how insensitive we have been in this case,” the statement continued. “As a result, we have removed Armstrong’s name from the final ballot that our members will cast next month. We also believe that Ms. Armstrong is owed a public apology and wish to say that we regret any injuries she has suffered as a result of our decisions.”
The Razzies will only nominate those aged 18 or older, according to the group.
“We never intended to bury anyone’s career. This is why our Redeemer Award was created,” the statement said. “We all make mistakes, including ourselves. Since our motto is ‘Own Your Bad’, we know that we have to live up to it ourselves.”
CNN has reached out to Armstrong officials for comment.