Mickey Rourke received a formal warning on *Celebrity Big Brother* after a series of controversial remarks aired during Wednesday night’s episode of the ITV show.
The 72-year-old actor and former boxer has already faced scrutiny from viewers since entering the house, but tensions escalated when he initiated a discussion about JoJo Siwa’s personal life. Rourke questioned the 21-year-old singer and dancer about her romantic preferences, asking, “Do you like girls or boys?”
Siwa responded, “Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary.”
Rourke’s subsequent comment ignited further controversy: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.” Siwa swiftly countered, stating firmly, “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
Later, during a conversation with Chris Hughes about the eviction process, Rourke stated he intended to vote out “the lesbian,” which Siwa overheard. She immediately challenged him, pointing out that using sexual orientation as the basis for a vote was homophobic. Hughes agreed, affirming, “You can’t do that Mickey.”
Rourke’s response escalated the situation further when he reportedly exclaimed, “I need a f**,” followed by gesturing toward Siwa and adding, “I’m not talking to you.” Hughes intervened again, reminding him, “Mickey, you can’t say that.” Rourke then attempted to backtrack, claiming he was referring to a cigarette. The exchange visibly upset Siwa, who sought comfort from Hughes.
Big Brother swiftly addressed the situation, summoning Rourke to the Diary Room.
“Mickey,” Big Brother stated, “before you entered the Big Brother house, the rules regarding unacceptable language and behaviour were explained to you.”
Reading back the interaction, they continued: “Mickey, do you understand how this language could be offensive to your Housemates or the viewing public?”
Rourke acknowledged the potential for offense, saying, “Yeah I think so. If I was saying it in a nasty kind of way or if I truly meant it.”
Big Brother issued a clear warning: “Mickey, Big Brother thinks your language was offensive and unacceptable.” Rourke conceded, “Alright. I can understand that,” adding, “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?”
“Yes I do. It’s some serious stuff,” Rourke confirmed.
Big Brother then inquired if he had anything further to say.
“I apologize,” Rourke stated. “I don’t have dishonourable intentions – I’m just talking smack you know. I wasn’t taking it all so serious. I didn’t mean in it any bad intentions and if I did, sorry.”
The incident underscores the importance of respectful dialogue within the house and serves as a reminder of Big Brother’s commitment to enforcing its guidelines regarding acceptable conduct.
