In a recent episode of Celebrity Big Brother UK, actor Mickey Rourke sparked outrage after making several homophobic comments directed at JoJo Siwa, a 21-year-old former star of Dance Moms. Rourke’s remarks have drawn widespread condemnation from fans and fellow contestants alike, leading to a formal warning from the show’s producers.
Rourke, 72, initiated a controversial exchange by asking Siwa, "Do you like girls or boys?" to which Siwa replied, "Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary." Rourke then made a shocking statement, saying, "If I stay longer than four days, you won't be gay anymore." Siwa, maintaining her composure, countered, "I can guarantee I'll still be gay and I'll still be in a very happy relationship." The conversation escalated when Rourke told fellow contestant Chris Hughes, "I'm going to vote the lesbian out real quick," prompting Siwa to respond, "That's homophobic, if that was your reasoning." Hughes attempted to educate Rourke on the inappropriateness of his comments, saying, "You can't do that, Mickey." Rourke’s subsequent use of a slang term for cigarette, which is also a homophobic slur, further fueled the backlash.
Fans of the show were quick to rally around Siwa, expressing outrage over Rourke's comments. One viewer commented, "There is NO pure thoughts behind his eyes, he doesn't even seem genuinely sorry for the terrible thing he said. You are too sweet, please be careful." Another supporter stated, "She’s stronger than I could ever be, and I applaud her bravery & patience given the situation she was put in." Siwa’s mother, Jessalynn Siwa, also voiced her dismay, stating in an emotional video posted on Instagram, "I'm really sad, though, that I sent my kid to a foreign country to do a TV show and she got treated like that— right away. Right out of the gate."
Jessalynn expressed her pride in how Siwa handled the situation, saying, "I think everyone has told me that she handled herself so well but that doesn't make it okay. Doesn't make it right." She further criticized the culture surrounding the show, remarking on the trend of negativity directed at her daughter: "It's kind of become a culture. It's become a game. It's a trend: 'Let's not like her. Let's hate her.'"
Siwa's partner, Kath Ebbs, who has been in a relationship with the dancer since November 2024, also spoke out against Rourke’s behavior, labeling him as "dangerous". In a series of videos shared on social media, Ebbs emphasized the importance of recognizing Siwa as a human being, stating, "We've had to see outright misogyny play out in order for people to go: 'Oh, maybe we were wrong about her.' This is her. She's all of it."
Rourke's actions have not only drawn criticism from fans but also from fellow celebrities. Actress Bella Thorne took to social media to share her own negative experience with Rourke, recounting an uncomfortable incident while filming together in 2020. Thorne described how Rourke used a metal grinder inappropriately during a scene, causing her physical harm. "Working with Mickey was one of the all-time worst experiences of my life working as an actress," she said. Thorne’s comments came just days after Rourke’s homophobic remarks towards Siwa went viral.
As the backlash against Rourke continues, the producers of Celebrity Big Brother UK issued a formal warning to him, stating he would be removed from the show if he exhibited further unacceptable language or behavior. Rourke later apologized to Siwa, saying, "I apologize. I don't have dishonorable intentions — I'm just talking smack, you know. I wasn't taking it all so serious." Siwa responded, "As a future, using the word f*g is not an acceptable word."
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in reality television and the need for accountability in such environments. Many viewers are calling for stricter consequences for contestants who engage in homophobic or misogynistic behavior, urging producers to take a stand against discrimination.
As the situation unfolds, Siwa continues to receive support from her fans and loved ones, who are rallying behind her in the face of adversity. The response to Rourke’s comments reflects a growing awareness and intolerance for homophobia and misogyny in media, highlighting the importance of standing up for marginalized voices.
In the wake of this controversy, it remains to be seen how Rourke will navigate the backlash and whether the producers of Celebrity Big Brother UK will take further action against him. For now, JoJo Siwa stands as a symbol of resilience and strength, embodying the fight against hate and discrimination.
