The actor later apologized to Siwa, saying, “I have a tendency to lose my temper quickly, but I never mean anything by it. I truly am sorry.”
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Oscar-nominated actor Mickey Rourke has received an official reprimand after making a homophobic remark toward fellow Celebrity Big Brother U.K. housemate JoJo Siwa. In a scene from the show, The Wrestler star is heard asking Dance Moms alum Siwa whether she likes boys or girls. Siwa responds,
Advertisement Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary.
Rourke then says, “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” prompting Siwa to reply, “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay, and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
The actor later told fellow housemate Love Island’s Chris Hughes that he’s “going to vote the lesbian out real quick,” a remark Siwa overheard. She responded, “That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning.”
The situation escalated further when Rourke shouted, “I need a f-g,” while motioning in Siwa’s direction and adding, “I’m not talking to you.” Hughes immediately told Rourke he couldn’t say that, prompting the actor to explain that he was referring to a cigarette. In response, Siwa could be heard calmly saying, “One breath at a time, troops, one breath at a time.”
After Rourke left the room, Hughes approached Siwa to check if she was alright. As she began to cry, he wrapped her in a big hug and offered comforting words.
Read More: Mickey Rourke Criticised for ‘Disgusting’ Behaviour on Celebrity Big Brother
Rourke was then summoned to the show’s diary room, where Big Brother addressed him, saying,
Mickey, Big Brother thinks your language was offensive and unacceptable. As a result, Big Brother is giving you a formal warning.
Right, I understand that. I apologize. I don’t have dishonorable intentions. I’m just talking smack, you know?
he responded
After his time in the diary room, Rourke rejoined the group and took Siwa aside to offer an apology.
I want to apologize, 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.
Rourke told her and Siwa responded by saying she “appreciated” the apology.
Shortly after the incident aired, many viewers turned to social media to express their opinions.
‘Mickey is such a vile man…just remove him from the house,’ Jacob posted on X.
‘Mickey needs to go, he has no idea how to behave around other people. Brushing your teeth in the sink where they have to wash their dishes is disgusting. It’s not cute or endearing or a “poor old man” situation anymore. He’s an uncivilized homophobic cretin. 🤷’ Siobhan shared.
“Big Brother have a duty of care and therefore Mickey making them comments should’ve resulted in him being removed. A formal warning is not good enough,” Crystal wrote.
Celebrity Big Brother U.K. airs weeknights at 9 p.m. BST on ITV1 and ITVX.