Mickey Rourke has been kicked off Celebrity Big Brother after an “unacceptable” run-in with Chris Hughes and an inappropriate sexual comment.
It was announced by ITV on Saturday (12 April) that the Hollywood actor had “agreed to leave” the show following “a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour”.
In Sunday’s episode (13 April), Rourke was seen making an inappropriate sexual comment toThe Only Way is Essex star Ella Rae Wise, 24, and displaying threatening behaviour towards Love Island contestant Chris Hughes, 32.
Rourke grew irate when Hughes, in character as a pirate for a shopping task, “eyeballed” him. Being pulled back by his housemates, the actor could be heard saying:“Don’t eyeball me, c***. What are you gonna do, c***?”
Rourke later apologised to Hughes, and told Big Brother he was “ashamed” of his actions and blamed it on his “short fuse”.
Big Brother called Rourke to the Diary Room, and told him: “Earlier today in a disagreement with Chris, your language and behaviour was threatening and aggressive. Big Brother does not tolerate threatening language or behaviour. In addition, you have used inappropriate sexual language to Ella.”
Rourke replied: “Yes sir. I did wrong. I apologise. I’m sorry. I can’t take it back, you know, I stepped over the line. And I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing. ‘Cause I lost my temper, and I’ve been trying to work on it my whole life and I wish I would have had better self-control and I’m very sorry.
“I’m ashamed of myself for losing it for a few seconds there. Nobody got touched or hurt. Maybe some feelings got hurt or maybe others have feelings about others getting upset but, you know, I’m sorry about that.
“I guess, like they say, I’m a work in progress. I just wanna pack my bags and leave.”
The actor, whose credits include Angel Heart, 9 1/2 Weeks and The Wrestler, has caused controversy since entering the ITV compound on Monday (7 April).
After “ogling” the reality show’s co-host AJ Odudu upon his entrance, he then made homophobic comments to fellow housemate JoJo Siwa – and offended actor Donna Preston with a comment about her weight.
Rourke was issued with a formal warning by ITV producers after using a gay slur aimed at Siwa. The interaction started after the actor told the dancer: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” before proceeding to say he will “tie” her up.
Siwa pushed back at the comment, saying: “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay, and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.” He apologised to Siwa hours later.
Ahead of Rourke’s entrance, The Independent’s Adam White wrote that the actor’s participation was “acutely depressing” as the actor has “a frustrating propensity for self-sabotage”.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the programme told The Independent: “All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectation for appropriate behaviour and language.
“Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and instances of inappropriate behaviour are dealt with appropriately and timely.” Rourke’s representatives declined to comment.
