The new season of Celebrity Big Brother has barely begun, and it’s already hit a boiling point. Hollywood veteran Mickey Rourke, 72, is under fire after making a series of remarks toward fellow housemate JoJo Siwa—comments that many viewers, and Big Brother producers, called out as homophobic.
The incident, which aired in a recent episode, unfolded during what started as a casual conversation in the house. Rourke, known for his gritty roles in films like The Wrestler, was chatting with Siwa, 21, when things quickly took a turn. Siwa—an outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate who’s been public about her identity as a lesbian—was on the receiving end of a quip from Rourke who joked he could “make her straight” if they spent a few days together.
It didn’t stop there. Later, during a separate conversation about upcoming evictions with housemate Chris Hughes, Rourke reportedly said, “I’d vote the lesbian out real quick.” Siwa, who overheard the comment, immediately pushed back, calling it homophobic. Hughes backed her up, telling Rourke he had crossed a line.
Then came the moment that really set off alarms. In another exchange, Rourke gestured toward Siwa and said, “I need a fag”—before quickly clarifying he meant a cigarette. Siwa appeared visibly upset. Hughes stepped in to comfort her as the house fell into an uneasy silence.
The show’s producers wasted no time. Rourke was summoned to the Diary Room, where the house rules—rules he’d been given before entering the show—were read back to him. Producers confronted him with his exact words and asked if he understood why they were offensive. His response? A lukewarm, “Yeah, I think so,” followed by a casual, “I was just talking smack.” He insisted he didn’t mean any harm.
Big Brother wasn’t buying it. Rourke was slapped with a formal warning and made it clear: any more “smack talk” like that, and he’d be shown the door. He later approached Siwa to apologize, saying he had no “dishonorable intentions” and was just trying to joke around. The show didn’t air her full reaction, leaving viewers to guess whether she accepted it or not.
Outside the house, the backlash was swift and intense. Many fans are furious, saying a formal warning isn’t enough. For Siwa—who’s openly shared her journey, including the challenges of growing up queer in the public eye—hearing that kind of language in a space where you’re confined 24/7 hit hard. Some viewers argued Rourke’s comments weren’t just outdated—they were harmful, period.
But not everyone agrees. Others rushed to Rourke’s defense, chalking it up to “old-school” humor that didn’t land. Some insist his apology should be enough to move on. Meanwhile, the debate has expanded to the show itself—was the network quick enough to respond, or are they leaning into the controversy to boost ratings?
This isn’t the first time Rourke’s presence has caused tension. His entrance alone made waves after he made host AJ Odudu visibly uncomfortable with some flirty remarks on live TV. Siwa, in contrast, has emerged as an early fan favorite, known for her energy, honesty, and smart gameplay—which made this clash all the more upsetting to watch unfold.
What happened between Rourke and Siwa has also sparked a broader conversation about the role reality TV plays in reflecting— and sometimes clashing with—changing cultural norms. What happens when generational differences, personal bias, and public scrutiny collide under one roof?
As of now, Rourke remains in the house—but he’s on thin ice. One more misstep, and he could be gone. Siwa, for her part, seems to be leaning on allies like Hughes and focusing on the game. But with the cameras rolling and the pressure mounting, this moment isn’t fading quietly.
Whether this incident becomes a teachable moment or the tipping point of a larger fallout, one thing’s certain: in the Big Brother house, nothing stays under wraps for long—and words carry a whole lot of weight when the whole world is watching.