Mickey Rourke has faced intense criticism online and received a warning on a British television program for making a homophobic comment directed at another participant.
The 72-year-old actor, known for his roles in Hollywood, has been criticized for making inappropriate remarks towards JoJo Siwa while in the Celebrity Big Brother house.
The Oscar-nominated actor joined the UK reality show on Monday, April 7, alongside social media figure JoJo Siwa and 11 other celebrities.
However, 21-year-old Siwa has accused Rourke of making ‘homophobic’ comments after he referenced her sexuality and expressed his intention to “vote the lesbian out real quick.”
In the episode that aired on Wednesday night, Rourke questioned Siwa about her sexuality, to which she responded that she is interested in women and has a non-binary partner.
Rourke’s controversial response was, “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.”
Siwa quickly retorted: “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
Rourke replied, “I’ll tie you up.”
The Barfly actor, originally from New York, then made another comment about voting her out twice due to her sexuality, which Siwa denounced as ‘homophobic.’
Shortly after, Rourke expressed his desire to go to the smoking area.
“I need a fag,” he said, followed by pointing at Siwa and adding, “I’m not talking to you.”
British Love Island star Chris Hughes then cautioned Rourke about the offensive nature of his words, to which Rourke responded, “I know. I was talking about a cigarette.”
After he left, Siwa appeared visibly upset by the incident and embraced Hughes while in tears.
The television show has since issued Rourke a formal warning due to his ‘offensive and unacceptable’ language, as shown in an early preview of the next episode’s transcript released by ITV.
Big Brother informed him: “Further language or behavior of this nature could lead to you being removed from the Big Brother house.”
Rourke apologized in the diary room, attributing his comments to ‘talking smack.’
“I apologize. I don’t have dishonorable intentions – I’m just talking smack, you know. I wasn’t taking it all so seriously. I didn’t mean it with any bad intentions, and if I did, sorry.”
Hughes also informed Rourke that Siwa was ‘very upset’ by his comments.
Subsequently, Rourke apologized to Siwa and claimed he ‘didn’t say it out of meanness.’
He continued: “I want to apologize. I’ve got a habit of having a short fuse. And I don’t mean anything by it. I do mean it [sorry]. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t say it to you.”
Siwa replied: “I appreciate your apology.”
Numerous viewers have since criticized Rourke on social media.
“JoJo Siwa being subjected to homophobic bigotry from Mickey Rourke was a hard watch,” one viewer commented.
“I can’t believe I am watching 21-year-old JoJo Siwa educate 72-year-old Mickey Rourke on the word f*g at 9:50 pm on a Wednesday night on ITV1,” said another.
Others expressed further concern over Rourke’s comments about ‘tying’ Siwa up.
“Mickey Rourke’s comments towards Jojo Siwa and her sexuality are nothing short of dangerous/disgusting. You can’t justify it and it’s not even remotely funny. Fair play to Chris for calling him up on his behavior,” remarked another viewer.
A Big Brother spokesperson said: “All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectation for appropriate behavior and language.
“Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day, and instances of inappropriate behavior are dealt with appropriately and in a timely manner.”