Hollywood’s once-bad-boy Mickey Rourke, now 72 and looking more like a deflated leather couch than the heartthrob of 9½ Weeks, has just handed Celebrity Big Brother UK its most explosive controversy yet. In a preview of Wednesday’s episode, the Sin City actor launched into a series of jaw-dropping, homophobic remarks directed at none other than JoJo Siwa—the 21-year-old pop sensation who came out as queer in 2021 and has since become a beacon of LGBTQ+ pride.
It started with Rourke bluntly asking Siwa, “Do you like girls or boys?” Unfazed, she replied, “Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary.” (That’s Kath Ebbs, an actor and DJ, for those keeping score.) But Rourke, apparently convinced of his own mythical powers of persuasion, smirked and delivered this gem:
“If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.”
Siwa, never one to let ignorance slide, shot back with the kind of effortless confidence that makes homophobes seethe:
“I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
See also: J.K. Rowling Found a New Group to Mock—She Thinks She’ll Keep Relevant That Way
But The Slurs Keep Coming
If that wasn’t cringeworthy enough, Rourke then turned to fellow housemate Chris Hughes (of Love Island fame) and muttered,
“I’m going to vote the lesbian out real quick.”
Siwa, overhearing, didn’t hesitate:
“That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning.”
But wait—there’s more. In what can only be described as a desperate attempt to double down on his bigotry, Rourke then dropped a slur, saying, “I need a f-g.” When Hughes immediately called him out, Rourke tried to backtrack, claiming he was talking about a cigarette (a weak British slang excuse that fooled exactly no one).
Jojo Siwa vs Mickey Rourke: Big Brother Steps In
Unsurprisingly, producers swiftly dragged Rourke into the Diary Room for a stern warning.
“Mickey, the rules regarding unacceptable language and behavior were explained to you,” he was told. “Further language of this nature could lead to your removal.”
Rourke’s half-hearted apology?
“I wasn’t taking it all so serious. I didn’t mean it in any bad intentions, and if I did, sorry.”
(Ah, yes, the classic “I was just joking… unless you’re offended, then oops.”)
@bestclipzabout Tonight on Celebrity Big Brother, Mickey Rourke is given a formal warning by Big Brother for homophobic language used towards JoJo Siwa. Mickey asks JoJo, “Where’s the smoke room? Where’s the cigarette room?” Mickey then asks, “Do you like girls or boys?” JoJo says, “Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary.” Mickey says to JoJo, “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.” JoJo says, “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.” In the garden, Mickey asks Chris if everyone has to vote one another out of the house. Mickey says “I’m going to vote the lesbian out real quick.” JoJo overhears and says, “That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning.” Chris interjects, “You can’t do that Mickey.” Mickey then says, “I need a fag.” And then gestures to JoJo and says, “I’m not talking to you.” Chris says, “Mickey, you can’t say that.” Mickey says, “I know. I was talking about a cigarette.” JoJo is left upset by the exchange and is comforted by Chris. Shortly after the exchange in the garden, Big Brother calls Mickey to the Diary Room. Big Brother says, “Mickey before you entered the Big Brother house the rules regarding unacceptable language and behaviour were explained to you.” Big Brother then reads back the entire exchange to Mickey and then says, “Mickey, do you understand how this language could be offensive to your Housemates or the viewing public?” Mickey says, “Yeah I think so. If I was saying it in a nasty kind of way or if I truly meant it.” Big Brother says, “Mickey, Big Brother thinks your language was offensive and unacceptable.” Mickey says, “Alright. I can understand that.” Big Brother says, “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?” Mickey says, “Yes I do. It’s some serious stuff.” Big Brother says, “Mickey, is there anything you’d like to say?” Mickey says, “I apologise. I don’t have dishonourable intentions – I’m just talking smack you know. I wasn’t taking it all so serious. I didn’t mean in it any bad intentions and if I did, sorry.” #CBBUK #cbb #jojosiwa ♬ original sound – Entertainment Clips
Kath Ebbs’ Furious Response: “He’s a Pig and a Dangerous Person”
While Siwa handled the situation with remarkable poise, her partner, Kath Ebbs, was not having it. Taking to Instagram, Ebbs unleashed a blistering takedown of Rourke, calling his behavior “beyond disgusting” and his comments “rooted in misogyny and violence.”
“If men deem you unf**kable, they have no use for you,” Ebbs wrote, before delivering the knockout punch: “No offence, Mickey, you look like a f**king foot, so you don’t stand a chance with anyone anyway.”
They also praised Hughes for standing up for Siwa and urged UK viewers to “vote this pig out.”
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Why This Matters
Rourke’s remarks aren’t just “locker room talk”—they’re part of a long, ugly history of LGBTQ+ people being mocked, threatened, or told their identities are up for debate. Siwa, who grew up in the spotlight and has faced her share of backlash since coming out, handled the situation with the kind of grace and defiance that makes her a role model.
See also: Trans Day of Visibility 2025: Times Trans and Non-Binary People Made History This Year
Meanwhile, Rourke—whose career has been on life support for years—just reminded everyone why Hollywood largely gave up on him.
JoJo Siwa: 1, Mickey Rourke: 0. And if CBB has any sense, they’ll make sure that score stays permanent by showing him the door.
