Oscar-nominated actor, Mickey Rourke, found himself in hot water on the reality show Celebrity Big Brother U.K. after making homophobic remarks directed at fellow housemate JoJo Siwa. The incident unfolded when Rourke questioned Siwa’s sexual orientation. Upon Siwa’s response that her partner is non-binary, Rourke retorted with a dismissive comment about her sexuality. This exchange led to a formal warning from the show’s producers.
Rourke, best known for his role in The Wrestler, faced backlash after saying, “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.” Siwa, standing her ground, confidently replied, “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay, and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.” The tension escalated when Rourke made another disparaging remark about voting her out, citing her sexuality as the reason.
The situation worsened when Rourke used a homophobic slur, directing it toward Siwa, though he denied addressing her. Chris Hughes, another contestant, intervened, reminding Rourke of the inappropriateness of his language, as Siwa remained composed, encouraging herself to take “one breath at a time.”
Following the incident, producers summoned Rourke to the diary room, reprimanding him for his offensive language and issuing a formal warning. In response, Rourke acknowledged the gravity of his comments, stating, “I understand that. I apologize. I don’t have dishonorable intentions. I’m just talking smack, you know?”
Once back with the group, Rourke sought out Siwa for a personal apology, admitting, “I’ve got a habit of having a short fuse, and I don’t mean nothing by it. I do mean [I’m sorry]. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t say it to you.” Siwa accepted his apology, acknowledging his attempt to make amends.
Rourke’s actions have sparked a wider conversation on the importance of language and respect within the Celebrity Big Brother house. While Siwa showed magnanimity, the incident underscores the ongoing need for sensitivity toward diverse identities on public platforms. As the show continues airing weeknights at 9 p.m. BST on ITV1 and ITVX, the repercussions of Rourke’s comments remain a topic of discussion among viewers and the media.
