Celebrity Big Brother UK has only just kicked off, yet it’s already drawing attention for unfavorable reasons. The most recent controversy involves Mickey Rourke, the 72-year-old actor from Hollywood, who has sparked quite a reaction with his remarks directed at fellow contestant JoJo Siwa, the 21-year-old star known from Dance Moms and for her pop music career.

Fans are outraged, taking to social media to demand Rourke’s removal after what many are calling homophobic remarks.

This episode has ignited a heated discussion surrounding responsibility, inclusivity, and the obligations of reality TV producers to handle these issues effectively. So, what exactly took place, and why has it stirred such commotion? Let’s delve into the details.

What Did Mickey Say to JoJo on CBB?

The situation unfolded during a conversation in the Celebrity Big Brother house, where Rourke inquired about JoJo Siwa’s sexual orientation. Siwa, who has openly come out as a lesbian and is currently in a relationship with a non-binary partner, responded to Rourke’s question about her preference for “boys or girls” by simply stating, “Girls. My partner is non-binary.” Regrettably, what followed were a series of comments from Rourke that noticeably distressed Siwa and led to an uproar among the audience.

He allegedly told her,

“If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,”

and added he wanted to “tie her up.” Later, while chatting with another housemate, Chris Hughes from Love Island, Rourke said he would

“vote the lesbian out real quick.”

To top it off, he then declared, “I need a fag,” pointing toward Siwa and following it with “I’m not talking to you,” before claiming he meant a cigarette.

Siwa responded in the moment by saying,

“That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning.”

This exchange felt really uncomfortable to watch, and it didn’t take long for fans to notice.

🚨 | Tonight on Celebrity Big Brother, Mickey Rourke is given a formal warning by Big Brother for homophobic language used towards JoJo Siwa.

Mickey asks JoJo, “Where’s the smoke room? Where’s the cigarette room?”

Mickey then asks, “Do you like girls or boys?”

JoJo says, “Me?… pic.twitter.com/074V32CHZW

— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) April 9, 2025

JoJo Siwa managed the situation with impressive composure, effectively shutting down Rourke’s comments while later breaking down in tears as she processed the encounter. Chris Hughes stepped up, earning praise for being the only housemate to quickly challenge Rourke, telling him,

“You can’t say that, Mickey.”

The Big Brother producers also took action—they called Mickey Rourke to the diary room and issued him a formal warning, stating that his language was “offensive and unacceptable,” warning that further incidents could lead to his eviction. Rourke issued an apology, both to the producers and later to Siwa, claiming he was “just talking smack” and didn’t mean any harm.

He explained to Siwa,

“I’ve got a habit of having a short fuse. I don’t mean nothing by it.”

Siwa graciously accepted his apology, but for many viewers, the damage was already done.

Why Fans Are Calling for Rourke’s Removal?

The backlash came swiftly and strongly. Social media exploded with fans expressing their disgust, asserting that a warning wasn’t enough for what they deemed blatant homophobia.

Many highlighted that Rourke’s comments were not only insensitive but also felt threatening, especially considering the power dynamic of a 72-year-old man directing such remarks at a 21-year-old woman. Siwa’s partner, Kath Ebbs, didn’t hold back either, calling Rourke a “pig” and denouncing his remarks as rooted in misogyny and violence.

Celebrities like Chrishell Stause and Nicola McLean also voiced their opinions, with Stause tweeting support for Siwa and McLean advocating for better behavior from men in the house. Fans have even filed complaints with Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, seeking Rourke’s immediate removal.

The sentiment online is clear: for many, this isn’t just about one bad moment—it’s about a troubling pattern of behavior that creates an unsafe environment for Siwa and others.

What Is The Bigger Picture?

This incident isn’t happening in isolation. Rourke was already under scrutiny before entering the house for his behavior toward host AJ Odudu during the launch episode, where he grabbed her arm and stared at her in a way that made viewers uncomfortable.

Odudu handled it professionally, but that moment received nearly 90 Ofcom complaints. Coupled with his comments toward Siwa, it raises concerns about why Rourke was cast in the first place and whether producers prioritize drama over the safety of participants.

Reality TV tends to thrive on conflict, but there’s a fine line between spicy exchanges and harmful rhetoric. Siwa’s nomination of Rourke for eviction—her “killer nomination”—means he’s now facing a public vote, and judging by fan sentiment, his time in the house might be limited.

What Happens Next?

As Celebrity Big Brother rolls on, all eyes are on how this situation develops. Will Rourke’s apology appease the public, or will he be voted out at the first opportunity? More importantly, will producers take a firmer stance if similar incidents occur again? Siwa has been praised for her maturity and grace, with fans rallying around her as a symbol of resilience.

This incident has also ignited a wider conversation about how reality TV handles sensitive topics like homophobia, especially when younger contestants like Siwa are involved. For now, the house seems like a pressure cooker, and viewers are closely watching to see what unfolds next.

This whole saga serves as a reminder that words have weight, especially on a platform as public as Celebrity Big Brother. Whether Rourke stays or goes, the conversation he sparked isn’t likely to fade away anytime soon. What do you think—should he be kicked out, or is a warning sufficient? Let’s keep the discussion alive.