Mickey Rourke, 72, in ITV CBB ‘homophobia’ storm as he brands JoJo Siwa a ‘f**’ in explosive row
Mickey Rourke has been issued a warning in Celebrity Big Brother in scenes set to air in tonight’s episode of the ITV reality show.
The 72-year-old old’s first couple of days in the iconic house has sparked criticism from viewers, but on Wednesday’s episode he launches a heated row and it branded “homophobic”.
The incident happened when he delved into JoJo Siwa’s love life by asking the 21-year-old: “Do you like girls or boys?”
“Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary,” the singer and dancer replied.
“If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” the actor and former boxer commented in response.
Siwa shut him down by emphasising: “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
Later, Rourke chatted to Chris Hughes, asking about the voting and eviction process.
He told the Love Island star: “I’m going to vote the lesbian out real quick,” but Siwa overheard and remarked: “That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning.”
“You can’t do that Mickey,” Hughes, 32, agreed, to which Rourke replied: “I need a f**.”
Gesturing towards Siwa, he added: “I’m not talking to you,” prompting Hughes to point out: “Mickey, you can’t say that.”
“I know. I was talking about a cigarette,” the actor argued, leaving Siwa upset and being comforted by Hughes.
Following the exchange, Big Brother called Rourke to the Diary Room, stating: “Mickey, before you entered the Big Brother house the rules regarding unacceptable language and behaviour were explained to you.”
Reading back the interaction, Big Brother added: “Mickey, do you understand how this language could be offensive to your Housemates or the viewing public?”
“Yeah I think so. If I was saying it in a nasty kind of way or if I truly meant it,” Rourke replied.
“Mickey, Big Brother thinks your language was offensive and unacceptable,” Big Brother made clear.
The actor responded: “Alright. I can understand that,” before Big Brother added: “As a result, Big Brother is giving you a formal warning.
“Further language or behaviour of this nature could lead to you being removed from the Big Brother house. Mickey, do you understand?”
“Yes I do. It’s some serious stuff,” Rourke responded, leading Big Brother to probe: “Mickey, is there anything you’d like to say?”
“I apologise. I don’t have dishonourable intentions – I’m just talking smack you know,” he stated.
“I wasn’t taking it all so serious. I didn’t mean in it any bad intentions and if I did, sorry.”