Celebrity Big Brother has been rocked by controversy following the eviction of actor Mickey Rourke after multiple incidents deemed inappropriate by producers. The 72-year-old was removed from the house on Saturday due to a “threatening” altercation with former Love Island contestant Chris Hughes and, previously, for making offensive remarks towards both JoJo Siwa and Ella Rae Wise. While Rourke issued apologies for his actions – admitting he lost control and took responsibility – Big Brother stated they had no alternative but to ask him to leave.
The fallout from Rourke’s removal quickly spread online, amplified by presenter Will Best’s response on Sunday’s show. Following the actor’s dismissal, Best delivered a series of suggestive jokes during the program’s opening segment, prompting accusations of hypocrisy and double standards from viewers.
- Introducing former housemate Henry Southam, Best quipped he could “jolly his Roger any time he likes.”
- A particularly jarring joke involved referring to former CBB winner David Potts with a crude reference, yelling “His favorite part about being a pirate is the endless amounts of ‘seamen’… it’s David Potts!”
Despite attempts to deflect blame by suggesting the jokes were written on an autocue, fans expressed outrage at Best’s comments, particularly given the severity of Rourke’s expulsion.
As one fan posted on X: “So it’s only acceptable for certain people to make crude comments. Ahh, I see now… Will Best [tick], Mickey Rourke [cross].”
Others echoed this sentiment, with one stating: “Don’t agree with what Mickey said to Ella but didn’t Will Best just do exact same innuendo? So many double standards…”
One viewer even called for Best’s removal, writing: “@ITV @bbuk care to explain why @iamwillbest can make a joke like he made about David at the start of the show, yet Mickey can’t?! Double standards. Best remove Will immediately.”
Rourke himself acknowledged his failings, stating: “I lost my temper… I’m very sorry. I’m ashamed of myself for losing it.” He added, “I just wanna pack my bags and leave, you know. I wanted to leave yesterday actually, but I wasn’t chosen.”
Big Brother responded with a firm statement: “Big Brother considers your language and behavior today to be seriously unacceptable and as a result Big Brother has no option but to ask you to leave the Big Brother house.”
The situation has divided viewers, some arguing that Rourke’s behavior warranted his eviction while others maintain that conflict is an inevitable element of the reality show format.
