ITV CBB viewers threaten to boycott series over Mickey Rourke remarks: ‘Why is he still here?’
The third episode of Celebrity Big Brother 2025 saw viewers making threats to “switch off” from the series and demanding show bosses do more in response to Mickey Rourke’s offensive remarks.
Rourke, 72, managed to upset a few people in the latest instalment of the ITV reality show, with singer JoJo Siwa, 21, accusing him of being “homophobic” before he made comments in relation to Donna Preston’s weight.
It also follows backlash to his arrival on the show, at which point he made host AJ Odudu “uncomfortable” by glaring for a lengthy time at her body.
The first interaction in Wednesday’s episode came as Rourke asked Siwa if she likes “girls or boys,” to which she responded “girls”.
“If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” the actor and former boxer commented in response.
He went on to tell the singer he would “tie you up,” before commenting he would “vote out the lesbian”.
When Siwa said he was being homophobic, Rourke went on to remark: “I need a f**.”
Gesturing towards Siwa, he added: “I’m not talking to you,” prompting Chris Hughes, 32, to point out: “Mickey, you can’t say that.”
He was given a warning by Big Brother and later apologised to Siwa, although when she tried to explain why his remarks were offensive he walked away.
Later, he told Preston she should “run around the block” and added “you are what you eat”.
Fans weren’t pleased with the actor’s warning and apology, with many taking to X to plead for the show to take further action.
One wrote: Ssorry a warning isn’t enough. telling a 21 year old he’ll tie her up? she won’t be gay anymore? all the language he used? he’s disgusting and should be removed straight away. #CBBUK #CBB.”
“What right does Mickey Rourke have to think he can speak to women the way he does? He’s now clearly body shaming Donna who’s only talking about making lifestyle changes for her own benefit. The bloke’s a pig who’s trapped in the dark ages. #CBBUK,” a second wrote.
Another commented: “I’d just boot him out #CelebrityBigBrother #CBB #CBBUK.”
“#CBBUK THE PRODUCERS NEVER LEARN#,” someone else shared.
Another argued: “#CBBUK A grown a*** man harassing a 21 year old woman should not be given a warning, just look how he was with AJ.”
“#CBBUK Micky needs to go. Day 2 Homophobic remarks. What is said is important it’s offensive discriminatory and wrong. Get him out now!” another fumed.
“HONESTLY IF BIG BROTHER DOESN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT MICKEY’S BEHAVIOUR (REMOVING HIM FROM THE HOUSE) SOON. I WILL HAVE TO STOP WATCHING THE SHOW,” one viewer confessed.
“‘A little tiff’ ‘I was able to control myself’ AGAIN WHY IS HE STILL THERE? #CBBUK,” one more asked. (sic)