The British version of Celebrity Big Brother has asked Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke to leave the house after “instances of unacceptable behavior”.
The 72-year-old actor had already received a formal warning for “unacceptable language and behaviour” directed at fellow housemate JoJo Siwa. He was kicked out on Saturday April 12 after “further use of inappropriate language and “instances of unacceptable behavior,” allegedly towards Chris Hughes, a former Love Island star.
No physical altercations took place.
Official statement
A spokesperson for the ITV show said: “Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour.”
Mickey is known for his work in the Oscar-nominated film The Wrestler, and the Iron Man movies.
Mickey’s homophobic comment
Earlier in the week Jojo had been comforted by Chris after Mickey’s comments towards the dancer and pop star, discussing her sexuality and telling the house he would “vote the lesbian out real quick”.
He asked the 21-year-old if she “likes girls or boys”, and when she told him she was a lesbian he said: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay any more.”
Mickey also told the housemates he needed a “fag,” a British term for a cigarette, but then looked at Jojo and said: “I’m not talking to you,” referencing how the term is also a slur.
Chris’ support
“You can’t say that,” Chris told Mickey, supporting Jojo as the former reality TV star tried to laugh off the comments.
Mickey was then called to the Diary Room.
“Mickey, before you entered the Big Brother house, the rules regarding unacceptable language and behavior were explained to you,” Big Brother told him.
“Do you understand how this language could be offensive to your housemates or the viewing public?”
“Yes, I do. It’s some serious stuff,” he responded, before being given a formal warning. “I apologize. I don’t have dishonorable intentions — I’m just talking smack, you know. I wasn’t taking it all so seriously. I didn’t mean any bad intentions, and if I did, sorry.”
Mickey’s apology
Mickey also later apologized to Jojo in person.
“Anything is OK to say in context and intention… and if you say something wrong but you didn’t know and you’re open to hearing, it’s all good,” she told him.
5 biggest CBB controversies
© ShutterstockShilpa Shetty racism row
In 2005, Jade Goody, Jo O’Meara, and Danielle Lloyd were accused of bullying Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty in a racist manner. The contestants nicknamed Shilpa ‘Shilpa Poppadom’ and used other offensive terms. This led to widespread outrage in India. After Jade was evicted, she apologised for her actions, stating that she was “disgusted” by her behaviour upon watching the footage.
Roxanne Pallet’s false accusation
In 2018, Roxanne Pallett falsely accused her co-star Ryan Thomas of assault during a playful moment. Ryan had lightly jabbed her while pretending to box, but Roxanne, in tears, claimed he should be removed for “punching” her “like a boxer”. Viewers felt that she exaggerated the situation. After leaving the show, Roxanne apologised for her false claims, admitting that she had “got it wrong”.
Tiffany Pollard’s ‘David’s dead’ confusion
A memorable moment from the 2016 series of Celebrity Big Brother occurred when contestant Angie Bowie was informed of the death of her ex-husband, David Bowie. Tiffany Pollard, upon hearing the news, mistakenly thought it referred to fellow contestant David Gest, who was sleeping at the time, and began screaming in confusion – causing the house to erupt into chaos.
Biggins’ bigotry
In 2006, panto star Christopher Biggins was removed from the show after making several offensive remarks about bisexuality, race, and religion. Biggins, who is gay, controversially described bisexuals as the “worst type” of people in the LGBTQ+ community and made inappropriate connections between being bisexual and the global AIDS crisis.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s OnlyFans rant
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, a Love Island star, went from being a fan favourite to a more controversial figure. She made hostile remarks toward some housemates and criticised individuals who used OnlyFans, stating, “I’d rather have zero pounds than a million pounds doing it the wrong way, but having pride.”
Eviction
However Jojo later nominated him for eviction.
“He said some pretty hurtful things,” she said. “And I think one thing you really have to do in the Big Brother house is care about others. Him saying that flat out today, honestly, made the killer nomination choice pretty easy.”
Mickey had been paced up for eviction alongside former Tory MP Sir Michael Fabricant and Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd, but was saved by the public vote.
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