Mickey Rourke has exited the Celebrity Big Brother house following a series of incidents that have drawn widespread criticism and concern. The Hollywood actor, known for his roles in films like The Wrestler and 9 1/2 Weeks, left the reality show on April 12, 2025, after being warned about his "unacceptable language and behaviour" towards fellow housemates.
At 72 years old, Rourke's behavior had already sparked controversy just days into the show, which began airing on April 7. His comments directed at influencer JoJo Siwa, particularly a homophobic remark stating, "If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore," prompted immediate backlash. This incident was compounded by his aggressive interaction with Love Island star Chris Hughes during a task, which was described as "threatening and aggressive" by observers, although no physical altercation occurred.
According to a statement from ITV, Rourke agreed to leave the show after discussions with the producers regarding his conduct. "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," the statement read.
Rourke's departure followed a formal warning issued earlier in the week for his comments towards Siwa, who is 21 years old and has been a prominent figure in the reality TV landscape. In a moment of tension, Hughes defended Siwa, telling Rourke, "You can’t say that," after the actor made derogatory remarks about her sexuality. Hughes, who is 32, had previously comforted Siwa after Rourke's comments, which included a remark about voting her out of the show quickly.
In the aftermath of these incidents, Siwa's mother, Jessalynn Siwa, expressed her dismay, stating, "Honestly, I’m surprised he didn’t go home. I think she handled it great. Doesn’t make it okay; doesn’t make it right. I’m just lucky she can handle herself." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among fans and viewers about Rourke's conduct and the show's handling of such behavior.
Rourke's actions have not only affected his standing on the show but have also led to emotional distress among fellow contestants. EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer was reportedly brought to tears during a diary room session after Rourke criticized her cooking, saying, "What do you know, you can’t cook." This interaction left Palmer feeling upset and questioning her reactions, which she later expressed in a vulnerable moment.
Despite being one of the highest-paid contestants in this season of Celebrity Big Brother, with a reported fee of £500,000, Rourke's future on the show became untenable after just six days. His exit has sparked outrage among fans, many of whom believe he should have been removed from the show sooner. Social media comments reflected this sentiment, with viewers stating, "Incredibly shortsighted of #CBBUK to leave Mickey in there after his comments made towards JoJo. You had a chance to remove him and didn’t. They should have removed Mickey immediately; people have been chucked out for a lot less."
The show, which has a long-standing tradition of addressing issues of respect and inclusion among its contestants, has faced scrutiny over its decision to allow Rourke to remain in the house following his initial warning. A spokesperson for the program reiterated that all housemates receive training on appropriate behavior and language before entering the house, and that they are monitored 24/7 for any instances of inappropriate conduct.
As the series continues, viewers are left to ponder the implications of Rourke's behavior and the show's response to it. Celebrity Big Brother is set to return to ITV1 on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 10 PM, and it remains to be seen how the remaining housemates will navigate the fallout from Rourke's departure.
Rourke, who has had a tumultuous career marked by both acclaim and controversy, was nominated for an Oscar in 2009 for his role in The Wrestler. His participation in Celebrity Big Brother was seen by some as a chance for redemption, but his actions have instead drawn attention to the challenges of managing personal conduct in the public eye.
As the reality show progresses, the focus will likely shift to how the remaining contestants will handle the dynamics within the house without Rourke's presence. The impact of his comments and behavior will undoubtedly linger as discussions about respect, inclusion, and accountability continue to unfold in the media and among fans.
