Mickey Rourke is turning to lawyers.
After leaving Celebrity Big Brother UK under controversy, the 72-year-old actor is taking legal steps against the reality show over what he says is a payment issue.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Rourke’s manager, Kimberly Hines, explained that his early exit was due to the show treating him badly. She said they “embarrassed him in public” and won’t pay him what he is owed.
Advertisement There’s no question that when Big Brother booked Mickey Rourke, they were fully aware of both his public persona and how it aligned with his Hollywood rebel image.
Hines wrote, adding that the show knew his presence would be “explosive, controversial and attention-grabbing — and that’s exactly what they got, and more.
She said the show had “highlighted his bold personality,” which Rourke is known for and has been clearly shown in the media, especially after the show aired.
In our discussions, Big Brother was made fully aware of Mickey Rourke’s background and lifestyle. Yet rather than handle it professionally, they took it too far — publicly embarrassing him and using his removal as a marketing tool. That’s not just unprofessional; it’s deeply disrespectful and damaging. To add insult to injury, Big Brother is now refusing to pay Mickey his full agreed-upon fee. His legal team is currently pursuing the matter. Big Brother‘s use of his name and image is an insult to a true cinematic icon after a long and accomplished career. It disregards his legacy and crosses the line of basic respect — both within the industry and on a personal level.
Hines revealed
On Saturday, April 12, a spokesperson for Celebrity Big Brother told PEOPLE that Rourke agreed to leave the show after a talk about his “use of improper language and moments of bad behavior.”
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While there was no physical fight, the spokesperson said Rourke used words that were seen as “threatening and aggressive.”
Read More: Celebrity Big Brother 2025: Mickey Rourke Says He’s ‘Ashamed’ After Being Removed
He left the show soon after The Wrestler star was warned for making inappropriate comments to housemate JoJo Siwa about her sexuality.
If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore. I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.
After Siwa, 21, revealed she liked girls and her partner was non-binary on the April 9 episode, Rourke claimed
Rourke then said he would “tie” up Siwa before housemates Hughes, 32, and Ella Rae changed the topic.
I’m going to vote the lesbian out real quick. I need a f–, referring to the British slang use of the word as cigarette, but then gestured toward Siwa and said, I’m not talking about you.
Later, while talking about Big Brother‘s voting process, Rourke claimed
Source: PEOPLE