Mickey Rourke was shown the door on “Celebrity Big Brother UK” on April 12 following “instances of unacceptable behaviour,” the TV network ITV shared in a statement with NBC News.
The show’s 24th season began airing in real time on Monday, April 6. Soon into the week, Rourke, 71, received a warning over remarks he made to cast member JoJo Siwa, 21 about her sexuality.
According to ITV, further instances continued that led to his eviction from the house.
“Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour,” a statement read.
He was the second person to be evicted this season. Michael Fabricant, a former Conservative member of Parliament, was the first, per the BBC.
Read on for what we know about Rourke’s time in the Big Brother mansion.
What did Mickey Rourke say to JoJo Siwa?
During the April 9 episode of “Celebrity Big Brother U.K.,” Rourke was accused of making homophobic comments by Siwa.
In the episode, Rourke asked Siwa about her sexual orientation. The performer shared that she was attracted to “girls” and was in a relationship with a non-binary partner.
Rourke responded, “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,” Siwa replied.
He then added, “I’ll tie you up.”
The situation escalated when Rourke said, “I’m going to vote the lesbian out real quick.”
Siwa immediately replied, “That’s homophobic if that was your reasoning.”
He repeated it again. “You can’t say that,” Siwa said.
Moments after that interaction, Rourke shouted, “I need a f–!” before gesturing toward Siwa and adding, “I’m not talking to you.”
Cast mate Chris Hughes said, “You can’t say that, Mickey.” Rourke replied, “I was talking about a cigarette.”
Hughes approached Siwa. “It’s crazy to me that still exists,” she said. Siwa felt Hughes had her back. After he asked how she was, she cried.
Rourke was given a formal warning after the altercation.
Rourke apologized and told Siwa he had a “habit of having a short fuse, and I don’t mean nothing by it.”
Siwa accepted his apology. But it wasn’t over. Later on in the episode, used her “killer nomination” to try to evict Rourke.
“He said some pretty hurtful things and I think one thing you really have to do in the Big Brother house is care about others, and him saying that flat out today, honestly, made the killer nomination choice pretty easy,” she said.
Why was Mickey Rourke eliminated from Big Brother?
By Saturday, April 12, Rourke “agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House” according to ITV.
An ITV spokesperson told NBC News, “Rourke’s language and behavior continued Saturday during a disagreement with (Chris) Hughes,” while carrying out a task that Big Brother housemates are required to complete.
ITV added that while no physical confrontation took place, the actor’s “behavior toward Hughes was deemed threatening and aggressive.”
The scene that got Rourke eliminated was aired on April 13. In it, Rourke called Hughes an expletive during a pirate-themed task. Afterward, Rourke was asked to the Diary Room to hear directly from Big Brother, who also brought up a sexual comment he had made to housemate Ella Rae Wise.
“Earlier today in a disagreement with Chris, your language and behaviour was threatening and aggressive. Big Brother does not tolerate threatening language or behaviour. In addition, you have used inappropriate sexual language to Ella.”
“Oh, I’m not aware of that but OK,” Rourke said.
“This language has caused offense to your fellow housemates and could cause offense to the viewing public. This is not the first time Big Brother has had to speak to you about your offensive and inappropriate language.”
The decision had been made. “Big Brother considers your language and behaviour today to be seriously unacceptable and as a result Big Brother has no option but to ask you to leave the Big Brother house,” Big Brother said.
What did Mickey Rourke say about the controversy?
A representative for Rourke did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment regarding his recent elimination.
Rourke apologized in the April 13 episode, per a transcript on Deadline.
“I blame myself, I know it was my bad. You know, I’ve got a short fuse and I know I upset a lot of people out there, you know. And I’m sorry for that. I’m actually ashamed of myself for getting that hot. I went over the line, you know, I did wrong. I guess, like they say, I’m a work in progress. I just wanna pack my bags and leave, you know. I wanted to leave yesterday actually but I wasn’t chosen.”
