Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke, aged 72, has been removed from the Celebrity Big Brother UK house following a series of controversial incidents, culminating in a heated altercation with fellow housemate Chris Hughes. The decision, announced by ITV on April 12, 2025, came after Rourke’s repeated use of “inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour,” according to a spokesperson for the show.

A String of Controversies

Rourke’s time in the Celebrity Big Brother house was marked by controversy from the outset. Early in the series, which began airing on April 6, 2025, the Oscar-nominated actor drew criticism for inappropriate behavior toward host AJ Odudu, described as “ogling” and “grabbing” her during his entrance. This set the tone for a tumultuous six-day stint that saw Rourke clash with multiple housemates.

The most significant controversy arose from Rourke’s interactions with singer and dancer JoJo Siwa, aged 21. During an episode aired on April 9, Rourke made remarks about Siwa’s sexuality, asking if she liked “boys or girls” and stating, “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.” He later told housemate Chris Hughes he would “vote the lesbian out real quick,” prompting Siwa to call the comments homophobic. Rourke’s use of a derogatory slur, gestured toward Siwa while claiming he was referring to a cigarette, further escalated tensions. Big Brother issued a formal warning for his “offensive and unacceptable” language, and Rourke apologized to Siwa, citing his “short fuse.”

Additionally, Rourke faced backlash for inappropriate sexual comments directed at The Only Way Is Essex star Ella Rae Wise, aged 24. During a task, when Wise instructed Rourke to follow her, he responded with a crude remark, “Come in you?” Wise later expressed discomfort in the diary room, stating, “I’m a young girl and I’m not a piece of meat.”

The Final Straw: Clash with Chris Hughes

The incident that led to Rourke’s ejection occurred during a pirate-themed task on April 12, 2025. Tensions flared when Hughes, a former Love Island contestant, allegedly gave Rourke “side eye” after a comment about a “rat” in the house. Rourke reacted aggressively, shouting, “Don’t fing eyeball me. You c,” in a foul-mouthed rant that shocked housemates and viewers alike.

Big Brother promptly called Rourke to the diary room, informing him that his language and behavior toward Hughes were “threatening and aggressive.” The producers also addressed his inappropriate sexual comment to Wise, noting that it caused offense to housemates and could offend the public. Rourke acknowledged his wrongdoing, stating, “I stepped over the line. I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing. I lost my temper, and I’ve been trying to work on it my whole life.” He expressed shame and apologized, calling himself “a work in progress.”

Following the discussion, Rourke and ITV mutually agreed that he would leave the house. No physical altercation occurred, and security did not need to intervene.

Public and Housemate Reactions

The decision to remove Rourke sparked varied reactions. Some fans criticized the production for not acting sooner, particularly after his homophobic remarks to Siwa and offensive comments to Wise. Posts on X and Reddit expressed frustration, with one user writing, “So he wasn’t even kicked out over the s**t he did to JoJo. Wow.” Others argued that the show only took decisive action when Rourke’s behavior targeted a male housemate, Hughes, raising concerns about inconsistent handling of misconduct.

Housemates also reacted strongly. Siwa, who had been emotional after Rourke’s earlier comments, used her “killer nomination” power to put Rourke up for eviction, stating that his remarks showed a lack of care for others. Hughes, who had defended Siwa, attempted to de-escalate the situation during the pirate task but was met with Rourke’s hostility.

Conversely, Rourke’s friend Keith Mason defended him on X, blaming “woke culture” for his removal and claiming Rourke was “the least homophobic person you’ll meet.” This sparked backlash from fans who pointed to Rourke’s recorded comments as evidence of inappropriate behavior.

Financial and Career Implications

Rourke’s exit has financial repercussions. Initially set to earn a reported £500,000 ($650,000) for his participation, sources indicate that ITV will reduce his fee due to his early removal for breaching conduct rules. The actor, known for films like The Wrestler and Sin City, had joined the show to revive his career after a decline in film offers, but his controversial behavior may have further damaged his public image.

Off-screen, Rourke’s conduct reignited past allegations. Actress Bella Thorne, who worked with him on the film Girl, accused him of misconduct on set, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his behavior.

Production’s Response and Broader Context

ITV emphasized that all housemates receive respect and inclusion training before entering the Celebrity Big Brother house and are monitored 24/7 for inappropriate behavior. The network stated that instances of misconduct are addressed “appropriately and timely.” However, criticism persists that Rourke’s earlier offenses warranted stricter consequences, with some fans and commentators questioning the show’s handling of homophobia and misogyny.

Rourke’s removal marks him as the second exit from the 2025 season, following the public eviction of former Tory MP Michael Fabricant. The season, which features a diverse cast including Patsy Palmer, Jack P. Shepherd, and Danny Beard, continues to air on ITV1 and ITVX, with the finale scheduled for April 25, 2025.

A Missed Opportunity for Redemption

Rourke’s brief stint on Celebrity Big Brother was seen by some as a chance to humanize the aging star, who opened up about childhood abuse and his struggles with anger during the show. However, his repeated lapses in judgment overshadowed any potential for redemption. In his final diary room session, Rourke expressed regret, stating, “I know I upset a lot of people out there, and I’m sorry for that.”

As the show moves forward, Rourke’s exit serves as a reminder of the fine line between entertainment and accountability in reality television. For viewers, the incident underscores the importance of addressing harmful behavior swiftly, regardless of a contestant’s fame or past accolades.