In brief
The 72-year-old actor was asked to leave after a series of troubling comments directed toward fellow housemates, stirring concerns among the production team and audience alike.
Mickey Rourke has departed from Celebrity Big Brother after ITV announced his exit due to “further use of inappropriate language” and “instances of unacceptable behaviour.” The incident, which occurred on Saturday, involved the 72-year-old actor using language perceived as threatening and aggressive towards housemate Chris Hughes, although no physical confrontation took place.Just days before his exit, Rourke received a formal warning for his language and behavior directed at JoJo Siwa, who accused him of homophobic comments after he made a remark about wanting to "vote the lesbian out real quick." On Wednesday’s episode, Hughes comforted Siwa following Rourke's comments, highlighting the tension in the house.ITV’s spokesperson stated, "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." Rourke joined the series on Monday alongside Siwa, Hughes, and other celebrities.During a confrontation, Rourke reportedly asked Siwa about her sexual orientation, to which she confidently responded that she liked girls and had a non-binary partner. His subsequent comments suggested he could change her feelings, stating, "If I stay longer than four days, you won't be gay anymore," to which Siwa firmly stated she would remain in a happy relationship regardless of Rourke's presence.Following another questionable remark wherein Rourke gestured at Siwa while requesting a cigarette, he faced scrutiny from Hughes for his choice of words. When called to the diary room, Rourke acknowledged the validity of the complaint, saying, "I apologize. I don't have dishonourable intentions - I'm just talking smack," and asserted that any offense caused was unintentional.After returning to the house, Rourke engaged Hughes and Siwa in a conversation where he expressed regret for upsetting Siwa, who appreciated his apology, indicating ongoing tensions from the incidents.
