Veteran actor Mickey Rourke has made headlines once again—this time not for a film role but for his dramatic removal from ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother. The 72-year-old actor, known for his roles in The Wrestler and Sin City, was reportedly ejected from the popular UK reality show following a string of inappropriate incidents inside the house.
While Rourke has always had a reputation for being a volatile Hollywood figure, his short-lived stay in the Celebrity Big Brother house reignited controversy that even long-time fans found hard to ignore.
What Happened Inside the House?
According to reports, Rourke used threatening language toward fellow contestant Chris Hughes, a British TV personality. In addition, he allegedly made inappropriate sexual comments toward castmate Ella Rae Wise and engaged in verbal attacks against U.S. singer JoJo Siwa, even using offensive slurs.
In a particularly emotional moment, actress Patsy Palmer was reportedly brought to tears after Rourke harshly criticized her cooking—a moment many fans deemed cruel and unnecessary.
These incidents were reportedly too serious for ITV producers to overlook. After evaluating the behavior, the decision was made to remove Rourke from the show entirely.
Massive Financial Penalty
Rourke reportedly signed on for Celebrity Big Brother with a whopping £500,000 contract (approx. $630,000). However, due to his conduct, ITV is said to have drastically slashed his appearance fee, citing breach of contract and a violation of the show’s code of conduct.
The network also confirmed that his removal will be aired in an upcoming episode, adding further intrigue to an already headline-grabbing season.
Public Apology and Regret
Rourke was spotted shortly after the incident outside a London hotel looking visibly shaken and remorseful. When questioned by reporters, he admitted that he “felt ashamed” and took full responsibility for his actions, stating he had let his emotions get the better of him.
He added that he had grown “too comfortable” being himself on reality TV and underestimated the impact of his words on others.
A Long History of Hollywood Turmoil
This isn’t the first time Mickey Rourke has found himself in hot water. His storied career has been peppered with feuds, controversies, and unexpected comebacks. He’s been praised for his acting chops but equally criticized for being erratic and unfiltered.
Fans of the actor are split—some say it’s time for Rourke to retire from the spotlight, while others believe he deserves another chance, especially if his apology is sincere.
Reality TV and Celebrity Redemption
Rourke’s exit has reopened conversations about how far reality TV shows are willing to go for ratings—and where they draw the line.
While Celebrity Big Brother has seen its share of scandals, Rourke’s behavior appears to have crossed the threshold for what even an entertainment-hungry audience is willing to tolerate.
FAQs
Q1: Why was Mickey Rourke removed from Celebrity Big Brother?
He was removed for using threatening and inappropriate language toward fellow housemates, breaching show policies.
Q2: How much was Rourke supposed to earn from the show?
He was reportedly paid £500,000 ($630,000), but much of it was forfeited due to his removal.
Q3: Did Rourke apologize for his actions?
Yes, he expressed regret publicly, admitting he felt ashamed and took responsibility.
Q4: Will his exit be shown on TV?
Yes, ITV confirmed his removal will be featured in an upcoming episode.
Q5: Is this Rourke’s first major controversy?
No, he has had a history of controversial public behavior throughout his career.