The incident occurred when the 72-year-old actor asked singer JoJo Siwa if she “likes girls or boys” during the Wednesday, April 9 episode.
Siwa replied by telling him she likes girls and added that her partner is non-binary.
Oscar-nominated US star Rourke responds: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay any more.”
Sneak Peek 👁️ Mickey learns that some things shouldn’t be said… #CBBUK pic.twitter.com/Lu41gal8aK
— Celebrity Big Brother UK (@bbuk) April 9, 2025
She says, “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
Later on in the garden, Rourke asks TV star Chris Hughes if the contestants have to vote their fellow housemates out, adding that he would “vote the lesbian out real quick”.
Siwa, 21, overhears and replies: “That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning.”
Hughes warns Rourke that he “can’t do that” before the former boxer says “I need a f*g”, and gestures to Siwa, saying “I’m not talking to you”.
Hughes then warns him again that he “can’t say that” as Rourke adds: “I know. I was talking about a cigarette.”
Siwa is visibly upset by the exchange, and Hughes comforts her before Rourke is summoned to the diary room.
In the diary room, Big Brother tells the actor: “Mickey, before you entered the Big Brother house, the rules regarding unacceptable language and behaviour were explained to you.”
After reading back the conversation, Big Brother continues: “Mickey, do you understand how this language could be offensive to your housemates or the viewing public?”
Rourke replies: “Yeah I think so. If I was saying it in a nasty kind of way or if I truly meant it.”
Big Brother adds “your language was offensive and unacceptable”, to which Rourke replies: “All right. I can understand that.”
The voiceover continues: “As a result, Big Brother is giving you a formal warning. Further language or behaviour of this nature could lead to you being removed from the Big Brother house. Mickey, do you understand?”
The actor says: “Yes I do. It’s some serious stuff.”
Calls for Mickey Rourke to be removed from Celebrity Big Brother
Viewers of ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother were quick to take to social media to share they’re reaction, with many calling for Rourke to be removed from the show.
One viewer said: “There’s a difference between winding people up and homophobia. kick. him. out.”
Another person said, “JoJo Siwa being subjected to homophobic bigotry from Mickey Rourke was a hard watch.”
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A third shared that they had placed an Ofcom complaint in regards to the situation: “Ofcom complaint submitted. Mickey Rourke should be out of that house.”
Others suggested that Rourke deserves a second chance: “My take on this is that he’s had a formal warning, so we need to give him a chance to learn from his mistake, alternatively, he makes it worse for himself and tarnishes his name.”
Celebrity Big Brother airs nightly at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
