In a dramatic turn of events on the reality show Celebrity Big Brother, Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke was removed from the house on Sunday night, April 13, 2025, following allegations of using "inappropriate sexual language" towards co-star Ella Rae Wise. This incident has sparked significant controversy, with Wise expressing that Rourke's comments left her feeling "very uneasy".
The situation escalated during a pirate-themed shopping task when tensions flared between Rourke and Love Island star Chris Hughes. The confrontation began when Hughes, 32, jokingly stepped out of line, prompting Rourke to accuse him of "eyeballing" him. Rourke's response was anything but measured, as he reportedly shouted, "Don't fing eyeball me. You c!" This outburst was witnessed by fellow housemates and led to an intervention by the show's producers.
Earlier in the day, Wise had already expressed discomfort over comments Rourke made, which added to the heightened emotions in the house. In a conversation with the show's producers, she stated, "It's fine, you can be just someone, but be mindful of what it can trigger in other people, because it's made me feel very uneasy." This sentiment was echoed by Big Brother, which reprimanded Rourke for his "threatening and aggressive" behavior during the altercation.
Big Brother addressed Rourke directly in the Diary Room, stating, "Earlier today in a disagreement with Chris, your language and behaviour was threatening and aggressive. Big Brother does not tolerate threatening language or behaviour. In addition, you have used inappropriate sexual language to Ella." Rourke's reaction to the reprimand was one of surprise, as he reportedly said, "Oh, I’m not aware of that but okay." However, he later acknowledged his wrongdoing, stating, "I stepped over the line. And I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing."
Rourke's behavior has drawn scrutiny throughout his time on the show. Earlier in the week, he received a formal warning for making homophobic comments directed at JoJo Siwa, a former star of Dance Moms, which reportedly made her cry. In one incident, he had stated he would "vote the lesbian out real quick," leading to significant backlash from other contestants and viewers alike.
Despite being put up for eviction on Friday, April 11, 2025, alongside former Tory MP Sir Michael Fabricant and Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd, Rourke was saved by public vote. However, his volatile behavior ultimately led to his exit from the show, as Big Brother deemed his actions as "seriously unacceptable" and felt they had no option but to ask him to leave.
Following the confrontation, Rourke expressed regret for his actions, stating, "I blame myself, I know it was my bad. You know, I’ve got a short fuse and I know I upset a lot of people out there, you know. And I’m sorry for that. I’m actually ashamed of myself for getting that hot." He further reflected on his behavior, saying, "I went over the line, you know, I did wrong. I guess, like they say, I’m a work in progress."
The fallout from Rourke's exit continues to unfold, with many fans and fellow contestants weighing in on the situation. Chris Hughes, who was involved in the altercation, attempted to downplay the incident, saying, "Mickey’s just Mickey, you know what I mean," but Wise's discomfort highlights the serious nature of the comments made.
As the show continues, viewers will see how the remaining contestants cope with the absence of Rourke and the impact of his actions on the group dynamic. The next episode of Celebrity Big Brother is set to air tonight, April 14, 2025, at 10 PM on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
