Mickey Rourke Leaves Celebrity Big Brother UK: 3 Shocking Moments That Led to His Exit

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Table of Contents

• Introduction to the Drama
• Mickey Rourke Leaves Celebrity Big Brother UK: The Final Straw
• Offensive Language Toward JoJo Siwa
• Confrontation with Chris Hughes
• Other Controversial Interactions
• Public and Housemate Reactions
• Impact on Rourke’s Reputation
• Conclusion

Introduction to the Drama

Mickey Rourke leaves Celebrity Big Brother UK after a whirlwind of controversy that gripped viewers in April 2025. The 72-year-old Hollywood actor, known for his roles in The Wrestler and Sin City, exited the ITV reality show on April 12 following what producers called “further use of inappropriate language” and “unacceptable behaviour.” His departure came just days after a formal warning for offensive comments, marking a tumultuous chapter in his storied career. This blog unpacks the events leading to Rourke’s exit, the fallout, and what it means for his legacy in an era demanding accountability.

Mickey Rourke Leaves Celebrity Big Brother UK: The Final Straw

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, ITV announced that Rourke had “agreed to leave” the Celebrity Big Brother house after a discussion with producers. The decision stemmed from a heated disagreement with Love Island star Chris Hughes, 32, during a house task. While no physical altercation occurred, Rourke’s language was described as “threatening and aggressive,” violating the show’s strict conduct rules. This incident followed a week of mounting tensions, with Rourke’s behavior drawing ire from housemates and viewers alike. His exit was swift, reflecting ITV’s commitment to maintaining a respectful environment.

Offensive Language Toward JoJo Siwa

The trouble began on April 9, when Rourke received a formal warning for homophobic remarks directed at housemate JoJo Siwa, a 21-year-old singer and dancer. During a conversation, Rourke asked Siwa if she liked “girls or boys.” After she confirmed her attraction to girls and mentioned her non-binary partner, Rourke quipped, “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.” He later told Hughes he’d “vote the lesbian out real quick,” a comment Siwa called homophobic. Big Brother reprimanded Rourke in the Diary Room, warning that further violations could lead to removal. He apologized, claiming he was “just talking smack” with no “bad intentions,” but the damage was done.

Confrontation with Chris Hughes

The incident with Hughes sealed Rourke’s fate. On Saturday, during a group task, the two clashed, with Rourke’s aggressive tone crossing the line. Hughes, who had supported Siwa after Rourke’s earlier remarks, became a target of the actor’s frustration. Though details of the exchange are limited, ITV’s statement noted that Rourke’s behavior was unacceptable, prompting his exit. The absence of physical conflict was a relief, but the verbal aggression underscored Rourke’s inability to adhere to the show’s standards, leading producers to act decisively.

Other Controversial Interactions

Rourke’s behavior wasn’t limited to Siwa and Hughes. He sparked backlash from the start by grabbing and ogling host AJ Odudu during his entrance, prompting fans to call his actions “creepy” on social media. Inside the house, he reduced EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer to tears by mocking her cooking, saying, “What do you know, you can’t cook.” He also made fat-shaming comments to comedian Donna Preston, suggesting she “run around the block” instead of using a skincare mask. These incidents painted a pattern of insensitivity, amplifying calls for his removal.

Public and Housemate Reactions

The public response was swift and unforgiving. Posts on X reflected outrage, with viewers labeling Rourke’s comments “disgusting” and praising ITV for his removal. Some threatened to boycott the show if he stayed, highlighting the growing demand for accountability in reality TV. Housemates, too, reacted strongly—Siwa handled her confrontation with grace, earning admiration, while Palmer’s emotional Diary Room moment resonated with fans. Hughes’ defense of Siwa further endeared him to viewers, positioning him as a voice of reason amid the chaos. The collective sentiment was clear: Rourke’s behavior had no place in the house.

Impact on Rourke’s Reputation

Rourke’s exit adds another blemish to a career already marked by volatility. Once a 1980s heartthrob, he earned critical acclaim for The Wrestler (2008), winning a BAFTA and Golden Globe. Yet, his personal controversies—admitted in a 2025 Sun interview where he called his career “in the toilet”—have often overshadowed his talent. The Big Brother saga, coupled with past allegations like those from co-star Bella Thorne, who claimed misconduct during a 2020 film shoot, further dents his image. For more on Rourke’s career, visit Variety, a trusted entertainment news source. At 72, Rourke faces an uphill battle to rebuild his reputation.

Conclusion

Mickey Rourke leaves Celebrity Big Brother UK under a cloud of controversy, with his offensive language and behavior proving too much for ITV to overlook. From homophobic remarks to aggressive confrontations, his actions alienated housemates and viewers, culminating in a justified exit. While Rourke’s apologies aimed to defuse tensions, they couldn’t erase the impact of his words. This incident serves as a reminder that reality TV thrives on drama but demands respect—a line Rourke crossed one too many times. As the show moves forward, its focus on inclusion and accountability sets a standard, leaving Rourke’s legacy in question.