Celebrity Big Brother is back, with a new roster of famous (and not-so-famous) figures stuck together in the famous Big Brother House.
One contestant in particular, American actor Mickey Rourke, has been the cause of significant controversy after he was deemed to have “grabbed” and “ogled” series presenter AJ Odudu upon first entering the house.
In tonight’s episode, the 72-year-old star of The Wrestler will be issued a formal warning by Big Brother for making homophobic comments directed at 21-year-old Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa.
The exchange begins with Rourke asking Siwa about her sexuality, to which she replies: “Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary.”
He then says: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.” Later in the conversation, Rourke announces he needs a cigarette, stating that he “needs a f**”. He then points at Siwa, saying, “I’m not talking to you.”
After being told he “can’t say that”, Rourke replies: “I know. I was talking about a cigarette.”
The events have caused viewers to call for the actor to be axed from the series, with one person writing on X/Twitter: “He should be removed for this. It’s Disturbing, particularly after how he was with AJ, too.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the programme told The Independent: “All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectation for appropriate behaviour and language.”
“Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and instances of inappropriate behaviour are dealt with appropriately and timely.”
The series continues at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.
Mickey Rourke criticised for ‘disgusting’ behaviour
Mickey was criticised for “grabbing” and “ogling” host AJ Odudu during the launch episode.
Ellie Muir9 April 2025 16:34
The most controversial moments from Celebrity Big Brother over the years
Previous iterations of the show have created TV gold, from Tiffany Pollard’s iconic “David’s Dead” misunderstanding to George Galloway and Rula Lenska‘s creepy cat cosplay.
As many high points as the show has had, there have also been moments of high controversy. Here’s a rundown of some of the most memorable…
Ellie Muir9 April 2025 16:32
Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch
Ellie Muir9 April 2025 16:30
Meet the contestants
Catch up on who’s who of this year’s housemates…
Ellie Muir9 April 2025 16:28
Mickey Rourke issued formal warning after homophobic comments
In tonight’s episode, Mickey Rourke will be issued a formal warning after making homophobic remarks directed at 21-year-old Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa.
In scenes that will air this evening, Mickey used a homophobic slur during a conversation with JoJo about her sexuality.
“Do you like girls or boys?” Rourke asks the singer.
Siwa, who went public with her relationship with partner Kath Ebbs this year, replies: “Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary.”
He then says: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.”
Siwa pushes back at the comment, saying: “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay, and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
Later speaking to Chris Hughes in the garden, Rourke says he is going to “vote out the lesbian real quick”.
Overhearing the exchange, Siwa tells him: “That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning.”
Ellie Muir9 April 2025 16:25