Legendary actor Mickey Rourke is known for more than just his award-winning movie career, as Mickey chose to join the cast forCelebrity Big BrotherUKin 2025, one of the few Americans to be on the show. He has a history of somewhat troubling behavior, including arrests for domestic violence and driving under the influence. But at 72 years old, many assumed Mickey’s wild days were behind him.
Mickey first found fame in the 1980s as the star of such films asDiner,Rumblefish,and9 1/2 Weeks. His career floundered throughout the 90s, and Mickey seemed to make more headlines for his bad behavior instead of his acting work. In 2008, Mickey experienced a career resurgence as the star ofThe Wrestler, for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. After that, he landed roles inIron Man 2,The Expendables, andImmortal.
Why Did Mickey Rourke Join Celebrity Big Brother UK?
Mickey Said He “Knew Nothing” About The Show
Mickey toldThe Sunthat he joinedCelebrity Big Brother UKbecause he wanted to visit London, saying, “I know nothing about this show. I’m not worried—I don’t care about any bad habits I might have for the world to see.“Mickey’s bad habits ended up getting him removedfrom theCelebrity Big Brother UKhome during episode 6 due to his multiple inappropriate infractions. Mickey initially accepted his eviction, but he has apparently had a change of heart.
As of this writing,Mickey has claimed that he will be pursuing legal action against the show.
His representative toldPeoplethat, “There’s no question that when Big Brother booked Mickey Rourke, they were fully aware of both his public persona and how it aligned with his Hollywood rebel image.”
The show knew that he would be “explosive, controversial and attention-grabbing — and that’s exactly what they got, and more.”
Mickey Used A Slur With JoJo Siwa
Mickey Referenced A British Term For A Cigarette
One of the first hints that Mickey’s controversial nature would be making an appearance at the house came during an encounter withDance Moms’JoJo Siwa. After asking JoJo where the smoking room was in the house,Mickey questioned whether JoJolikes “boys or girls.” JoJo said she likes girls, to which Mickey responded, “I could tell.” Mickey then joked with JoJo that if he lasted longer than four days in the house, she “won’t be gay anymore.” JoJo’s response to Mickey was perfect. She stood up for herself, but didn’t escalate the encounter.
“I can guarantee I will still be gay, and I will still be in a very happy relationship.”
Mickey went on to joke that he’d “tie” JoJo up, and that he would vote her out: “I’m going to vote the lesbian out real quick.” As the rest of the housemates, includingLove Islandstar Chris Hughes, tried to tell Mickey he was being inappropriate, he doubled down. Mickey said he wanted a cigarette, but he used the British slang term for cigarette, which is also a derogatory term used in the U.S. for those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Mickey Was Inappropriate With Ella Rae Wise
Mickey Made Ella Uncomfortable
In a clip shared to TikTok byTV’s Best Bits, Mickey is shown making an inappropriate joke to Ella Rae Wise, a British reality star best known for her appearance onThe Only Way Is Essex. During a challenge, Ella, 24, told the housemates a few rules, like that they weren’t allowed to go in their rooms, or eat “crisps or sweets.”
Mickey tells Ella he didn’t want those things anyway, and she tells him he needed to “come with [me],” to which Mickey replied, “Come in you?“The rest of the cast groaned when Mickey said it, and chastised him about not using that kind of language. Later, Ella broke down in a confessional, saying that Mickey was making everyone in the house “feel really uneasy.”
Mickey Was Aggressive Towards Chris Hughes
Mickey Seemed To Take A Challenge Too Seriously
In a moment that would eventually get Mickey removed from the house,he seemed to take a pirate challenge too seriously. As the housemates all lined up outside for a challenge, again, dressed as pirates, another housemate said that there’s a “rat” among the group. This is all part of the game, so Chris played it up, glaring at Mickey when the rat comment was made.
Mickey didn’t seem to think it was funny. Mickey approached Chris and said, “You looking at me?” in a threatening tone. The other housemates started to chuckle, in disbelief that Mickey could be taking this seriously. JoJo attempted to separate the two as Mickey said, “Don’t eyeball me,” to Chris. Everyone told Mickey it was just a joke, part of the challenge, buthe had to be physically separated from Chris.
“Don’t f***g eyeball me, you ct.”
Just as the tension started to build, the Big Brother voice summoned Mickey to the Diary Room. As he sits there, the voice of Big Brother goes over his infractions, some of which, Mickey recognizes and takes accountability for, and others of which he does not.
“Mickey, Big Brother needs to speak to you about your behavior,” said Big Brother.
“Okay,” said Mickey.
“Earlier today, in a disagreement with Chris, your language and behavior was threatening and aggressive,” said Big Brother.
“Big Brother does not tolerate threatening language or behavior.”
“Right,” Mickey muttered.
“In addition, you have used inappropriate sexual language to Ella,” Big Brother continued.
“Oh. I’m not aware of that, but okay,” said Mickey with a confused look on his face.
Big Brotherrepeated that Mickey had been warned.Mickey said he was wrong and apologized, saying it was “because I lost my temper and I’ve been trying to work on it my whole life.”
“I wish I would have had better self control and I am 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.”
Big Brotherthen asked Mickey to leave theCelebrity Big Brother UKhouse, which he did without issue. Mickey continued to express that he was sorry and ashamed of himself, butBig Brotherdid the right thing by removing him. He was making the rest of the house feel uncomfortable and unsafe, so their decision was more than warranted.
