Mickey Rourke’s departure from Celebrity Big Brother UK on April 9, 2025, resulted from homophobic remarks directed at contestant JoJo Siwa and subsequent threatening behavior that violated show policies. The actor made discriminatory comments, including urging housemates to “vote the lesbian out,” and told Siwa she wouldn’t remain gay if he stayed longer. Producers issued formal warnings before his agreed-upon exit following continued offensive language and a verbal disagreement with another housemate, creating significant tension among contestants and sparking public outrage that continues to unfold.
Actor Mickey Rourke‘s participation in Celebrity Big Brother UK came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, following his continued use of offensive language and behavior that producers deemed threatening and aggressive toward fellow contestants.
The 72-year-old actor’s departure occurred only days after an initial formal warning was issued for homophobic remarks directed at fellow contestant JoJo Siwa, prompting widespread media coverage and public outrage.
The incidents began when Rourke made discriminatory comments about Siwa, including telling other housemates to “vote the lesbian out real quick” and inappropriately questioning her sexual orientation.
During one particularly offensive exchange, Rourke told Siwa, “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” comments that Siwa overheard and immediately labeled as homophobic. The remarks brought Siwa to tears and created significant tension throughout the house environment.
Show representatives confirmed that Rourke’s exit was prompted by his continued use of offensive language despite earlier warnings from producers. The departure followed a verbal disagreement during a house task with housemate Chris, though no physical altercation occurred.
Reports indicate that Rourke also used slurs when discussing the house’s smoking area, further violating established house rules regarding discriminatory language.
Producers issued a formal statement confirming the departure, emphasizing that the show maintains strict policies prohibiting threatening, aggressive, and discriminatory language among contestants.
The statement characterized the exit as “agreed upon” following a private conversation between Rourke and show representatives about policy breaches. Media outlets including Variety and Deadline cited official sources confirming that efforts were made to resolve tensions after the first incident, but subsequent violations necessitated removal.
The controversial exit sparked broader discussions about contestant conduct and the show’s responsibility to maintain a respectful environment. The house dynamics were significantly disrupted by the ongoing language concerns throughout Rourke’s brief tenure on the show.
Other housemates reportedly became unsettled by Rourke’s language, while audience members expressed outrage over the impact on fellow contestants. The incident has had a significant impact on Rourke’s public image within the entertainment industry following intense media scrutiny.
The incident represents another example of the show’s established procedures for addressing serious infractions through immediate warnings and, when necessary, contestant removal to protect the house environment.
