Mickey Rourke Kicked Off ‘Big Brother’ After Homophobic Comments Toward JoJo Siwa And More “Unacceptable Behavior”
Rourke’s outdated views and aggressive behavior left viewers—and housemates—stunned.
The doors to the Celebrity Big Brother UK house have officially closed on Mickey Rourke—and not a moment too soon. The 72-year-old actor, best known for his roles in The Wrestler and Sin City, was booted from the house over the weekend following what producers described as repeated “inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behavior.”
Rourke’s exit came after a particularly disturbing series of interactions with fellow housemate JoJo Siwa, the 21-year-old singer and dancer. Throughout his short-lived time on the show, Rourke made a number of homophobic and misogynistic remarks directed at Siwa, prompting widespread backlash from viewers and housemates alike.
Related: Jojo Siwa’s Girlfriend Says What Everyone Is Thinking About Mickey Rourke
In a clip that circulated on the show’s official TikTok, Rourke crudely suggested he could somehow “change” Siwa’s sexuality. “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” he told her as they walked toward the backyard. Siwa, composed and quick-witted, replied, “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay, and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
But Rourke didn’t stop there. He followed up with a chilling, unprovoked comment: “I’ll tie you up.”
Siwa was visibly shaken, later holding her head in her hands. In an effort to laugh it off, she attempted to move on, but things escalated again when Rourke, speaking to Love Island’s Chris Hughes, announced he would “vote the lesbian out real quick.” Siwa, overhearing the remark, responded calmly but firmly: “That’s homophobic.”
Later, the Oscar-nominated actor used a slur while gesturing toward Siwa. “I need a f–,” he said, before adding, “I’m not talking to you,” looking at Siwa.
Though Rourke claimed he was referring to a cigarette (a common British usage of the word), the context was difficult to defend. Hughes immediately stepped in, reminding Rourke, “You can’t say that.” Siwa, who had tried to keep her composure, eventually broke down in tears in Hughes’ arms.
Behind the scenes, producers weren’t laughing either. Rourke was pulled into the Diary Room and issued a formal warning. According to transcripts reviewed by the BBC, Big Brother told him, “Mickey, Big Brother thinks your language was offensive and unacceptable.” Rourke offered an apology, insisting, “I wasn’t taking it all so serious. I didn’t mean any bad intentions and if I did, sorry.”
Related: Jojo Siwa’s ‘Karma’ Video Has The Internet In A Chokehold
Later, he attempted to apologize to Siwa directly: “I want to apologize. I’ve got a bad habit of having a short fuse. I don’t mean nothing by it.” Siwa, ever the professional, accepted his apology and shook his hand.
But that wasn’t the end.
According to a spokesperson for ITV, Rourke’s behavior continued to spiral. During a weekend task inside the house, he became embroiled in a heated disagreement with Chris Hughes. Though it didn’t turn physical, the network described the actor’s behavior as “threatening and aggressive.”
ITV released an official statement on Saturday:
“Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour.”
While ITV insists that all housemates receive “respect and inclusion training” before entering the house, many fans questioned why Rourke was given a warning before removal rather than being shown the door immediately after his initial slurs.
Celebrity Big Brother UK airs on ITV1 and ITVX from Monday to Friday at 9 pm, with a live Sunday episode at 10 pm.
