Mickey Rourke has officially exited the “Celebrity Big Brother UK” house following multiple incidents of inappropriate behavior and offensive language. The 72-year-old actor’s departure comes after a series of confrontations with fellow housemates, leading to his removal from the reality show.
Multiple Incidents Lead to Removal
Rourke’s exit was prompted by a heated exchange with housemate Chris Hughes during a pirate-themed task. According to ITV, the actor used “threatening and aggressive” language during the confrontation. Earlier in the day, he also made an inappropriate sexual comment towards housemate Ella Rae Wise, which was deemed offensive by fellow contestants. Producers had previously issued Rourke a formal warning after he made homophobic remarks toward JoJo Siwa, including asking if she was attracted to girls or boys and telling her, “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.” He also referred to Siwa as a “lesbian” and used a derogatory term to describe her. After these incidents, Rourke apologized to Siwa, stating that he had a habit of having a short fuse and did not mean any harm.
Public Apology and Regret
Following his removal from the house, Rourke addressed the situation in a private video, expressing remorse for his actions. He acknowledged that he had stepped over the line and took responsibility for his behavior. Rourke admitted to losing his temper and stated that he had been trying to work on it throughout his life. He expressed shame for his actions, stating, “I’m ashamed of myself for getting that hot.” Rourke also referred to himself as a “work in progress” and emphasized his desire for better self-control.
Financial Consequences
As a result of his early departure from the show, ITV reportedly reduced Rourke’s £500,000 appearance fee. The network has not confirmed the exact amount withheld, but sources indicate that the actor’s behavior led to significant financial repercussions.
Background and Career
Mickey Rourke is an American actor and former professional boxer known for his roles in films such as 9½ Weeks, Angel Heart, and The Wrestler. His acting career spans several decades, with a resurgence in the 2000s. Rourke’s appearance on “Celebrity Big Brother UK” was part of his return to the public eye, but his tenure on the show was short-lived due to the controversies surrounding his behavior.
Viewer Reactions and Show Impact
Fans of the show have expressed mixed reactions to Rourke’s behavior. Some viewers have criticized ITV for not airing the full extent of the altercations, leading to calls for greater transparency. Others have questioned the appropriateness of allowing such behavior to be broadcast on a reality television program. The incidents have sparked discussions about the standards of conduct expected from participants and the responsibility of producers in handling such situations.
“Celebrity Big Brother UK” continues to air on ITV1, with the current season expected to run until April 25. The network has stated that it takes all instances of inappropriate behavior seriously and will continue to ensure that all housemates are treated with respect and dignity.
