During his brief stay in the Celebrity Big Brother UK house, actor Mickey Rourke became a focal point of controversy due to his interactions with fellow housemates. His six-day tenure was marked by several incidents, including homophobic remarks and heated confrontations, leading to his eventual removal from the show. These events sparked discussions among his co-contestants about his behavior and its impact on the house atmosphere.
Rourke's controversial journey began early when he made an offensive comment towards JoJo Siwa, who later clarified her identity as queer. The actor faced a formal warning and offered an apology, acknowledging his short temper. Despite this, further disputes arose, notably with Love Island alum Chris Hughes, culminating in another outburst that necessitated yet another apology from Rourke. His unpredictable demeanor left a lasting impression on those who shared the house with him.
Actress Patsy Palmer, evicted on day 16, chose silence as her response to queries regarding Rourke’s conduct. Her reserved stance contrasted with Ella Rae Wise's vocal disapproval of Rourke’s comments inside the house. Wise expressed feeling uneasy due to his remarks and was relieved to no longer interact with him.
Ex-politician Michael Fabricant, the first to leave the house, described Rourke as "completely unpredictable." He recounted peculiar instances such as Rourke sleeping fully clothed on the couch and confusion over the location of the diary room. Meanwhile, JoJo Siwa remained steadfast in addressing Rourke’s inappropriate statements about her sexuality while still in the competition.
Singer Chesney Hawkes, another finalist, faced criticism for not defending Wise against Rourke’s advances. He apologized sincerely, emphasizing his regret over making her feel uncomfortable during their time together in the house.
The aftermath of Rourke's departure continues to influence discussions within the Celebrity Big Brother community, reflecting broader themes of accountability and respect in public discourse.