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Mickey Rourke Exits Celebrity Big Brother Following Conduct Controversy
Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke has departed the Celebrity Big Brother house amidst controversy surrounding his behavior on the reality programme. The 72-year-old star was initially anticipated to face the first public eviction after viewers criticised his flirtatious conduct directed at presenter AJ Odudu during the show’s launch. Despite surviving the initial public vote, which saw Michael Fabricant eliminated, producers have now requested his departure from the Big Brother house due to further incidents.
ITV Spokesperson Statement on Rourke’s Departure
A representative for the ITV programme issued a statement regarding the situation, stating: “Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further instances of unacceptable behaviour and the continued use of inappropriate language.” This decision follows a prior stern warning issued to the acclaimed actor for employing homophobic language just days into the series.
Homophobic Remarks and Housemate Reactions
Fellow participants were reportedly surprised by Rourke’s remarks to co-star JoJo Siwa, suggesting she “won’t be gay anymore” if her stay in the Big Brother house extended beyond four days.
Further, Rourke reportedly shocked Chris Hughes by stating his intention to “vote the lesbian out real quick.” This was compounded when Rourke, after mentioning needing a “fag” in the designated smoking area, followed up by joking, “I’m not talking about you” to Siwa.
Big Brother Warning and Apology
These comments prompted Big Brother to summon Rourke to the Diary Room, where he received an official warning regarding his potentially offensive behaviour towards housemates. Rourke reportedly apologised for his language, stating: “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.”
According to reports, additional incidents of misconduct occurred which were not broadcast to viewers.
Inappropriate Behaviour Towards AJ Odudu
Additionally, Rourke reportedly sparked viewer anger with his lewd glances directed at AJ Odudu upon entering the show. This conduct prompted Odudu to exclaim, “Stop looking at me!” Rourke also complimented her attire after a prolonged appraisal, adding, “I want to stay here with you.”
Aftershow Commentary on the Incident
Odudu addressed the episode during the Big Brother aftershow when Alan Carr commented: “Can we talk about Mickey Rourke looking at you? Find someone who looks at you like Mickey Rourke looks at [AJ], honestly. His tongue was hanging out.”
The programme host humorously responded: “It was. I was like, ‘You can’t afford these feathers, Mickey. No!'”
Patsy Palmer Upset by Rourke’s Comments
Furthermore, reports indicate Rourke caused housemate Patsy Palmer to become emotional after mocking her culinary skills. Palmer reportedly became distressed over their interaction, later stating in the diary room: “I tried to talk that one out but it didn’t really work. I feel like I let myself down there and I don’t want my reactions to be like that.”