Mickey Rourke Exits ‘Celebrity Big Brother U.K.’ After Multiple Warnings Over Offensive Behavior

Oscar-nominated actor Mickey Rourke has exited Celebrity Big Brother U.K. following a string of disturbing incidents involving offensive language, inappropriate conduct, and aggressive behavior inside the reality show’s house.
The 72-year-old actor voluntarily left the show on April 12, just seven days after entering, after a final warning from producers and growing tension with fellow housemates. His early departure followed an escalating clash with Love Island alum Chris Hughes, 32, during a pirate-themed challenge, in which Rourke lashed out verbally.
“You looking at me?” Rourke confronted Hughes before aggressively adding, “Don’t eyeball me. Don’t fing eyeball me, c.” The incident prompted housemates to intervene and deescalate the confrontation. Although no physical altercation occurred, producers described Rourke’s behavior as “threatening and aggressive.”
Further concerns were raised by The Only Way Is Essex star Ella Rae Wise, 24, who told Big Brother that Rourke’s repeated use of sexual language made her feel uncomfortable. “It just makes me feel on edge,” Wise confided. “I’m a young girl, and I’m not a piece of meat.”
Sunday’s episode aired the tense scenes, culminating in Big Brother announcing Rourke’s departure. In a remorseful Diary Room confession, Rourke admitted, “I stepped over the line. I take responsibility. I’ve got a short fuse… I’m ashamed of myself.”
However, Rourke’s exit was not solely due to his altercation with Hughes or comments toward Wise. Just days prior, Rourke received a formal warning for making homophobic remarks directed at fellow contestant JoJo Siwa, 21.
In one shocking exchange, Rourke asked Siwa if she liked “boys or girls.” When she replied that her partner is non-binary, he retorted, “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.” Siwa firmly responded, “I’ll still be gay, and in a happy relationship.”
Later, Rourke said he was “going to vote the lesbian out real quick,” a comment Siwa overheard and condemned as homophobic. Rourke also loudly declared, “I need a f**,” later claiming he was referring to a cigarette when challenged.
Big Brother summoned Rourke to the Diary Room, where he was formally warned for his offensive language. “Big Brother thinks your language was offensive and unacceptable,” producers stated. Rourke replied, “I apologize. I don’t have dishonourable intentions. I’m just talking smack.”
In response to the controversy, an ITV spokesperson told Variety: “All housemates receive respect and inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother senior team… to set out Big Brother’s expectation for appropriate behaviour and language.”
Rourke’s brief and chaotic stint has sparked wider conversations about celebrity conduct on reality TV, as viewers question whether fame excuses repeated breaches of respect and decency.