ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother viewers have been left fuming at Mickey Rourke’s “vile” remarks, with both “misogynistic” and “homophobic” labels thrown his way by viewers after his antics were aired on the latest episode.
Filling in for the regular presenter Lorraine Kelly on her self titles show on Thursday (April 10), Christine Lampard led discussions alongside journalist Lucie Cave and Coronation Street’s very own Nicola Thorp.
What was meant to be a light-hearted conversation about telly turned serious as they veered towards the controversy in the Celebrity Big Brother house, where Mickey received an official warning over in conduct.
Squirming at his choice of words, Christine confessed that she found his remarks utterly “cringe-worthy,” as Lucie and Nicola questioned whether the reality show had robustly addressed his behaviour.
The veteran actor, aged 72, rudely mocked American performer JoJo Siwa by referring to her as a “f**”, ridiculed actress Donna Preston’s appearance, and cast aspersions on Patsy Palmer’s culinary prowess, best known for her role in EastEnders.
In the televised debate, Christine probed: “It’s almost so obvious that this is just not the way you’re supposed to be,” before wondering aloud whether he was acting out to get evicted from the house: “Is he just wanting to be voted off? Is that maybe the game plan?”
Speculating on his motives, Lucie suggested that his actions might be contrived, saying: “I don’t think he’s planning on being in there very long but I really don’t know. He’s a fascinating character albeit a pretty awful one at the moment,” reports OK!.
She aired her confusion, saying: “I really don’t know what his actual game plan is because he acts like he didn’t even know what Big Brother was but… does he? Or does he not?”
Nicola pondered: “Do you think it could be a front?” To which Lucie responded: “Yeah, it could be,” and Christine chimed in with: “Anything’s possible, we’ve seen it all before haven’t we.”
Lucie then highlighted: “He’s taking all of the air time isn’t he?” Nicola quickly jumped to the defence of her former Coronation Street colleague, adding: “He is, we’ve not even seen some of the other characters, like Jack Shepherd.”
In the latest Celebrity Big Brother episode on Wednesday, Mickey sparked tears from LGBTQ dancer Jojo following a conversation about her sexuality. When Mickey inquired: “Do you like girls or boys?” JoJo replied: “Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary.”
The actor then made a controversial remark to her: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” to which JoJo retorted: “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
The situation escalated when Mickey, while discussing eviction choices with Love Island’s Chris Hughes, said: “I’m going to vote the lesbian out real quick.”
His comment, overheard by JoJo, prompted her to confront him, stating: “That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning,” as Chris intervened to support the YouTube star, telling Mickey: “You can’t do that Mickey.”
Despite ruffling feathers, Mickey persisted, blurting out: “I need a fag” while motioning to JoJo, before quickly clarifying: “I’m not talking to you.”
This prompted the Love Island celebrity to intervene yet again, reminding him: “Mickey, you can’t say that'” only for Mickey to retort: “I know. I was talking about a cigarette.”
Celebrity Big Brother airs every night from 9pm on ITV.
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