'Celebrity Big Brother UK' contestant Mickey Rourke reprimanded for using homophobic slur towards JoJo Siwa

Fox News - Apr 10th, 2025
Open on Fox News

Mickey Rourke, participating in the U.K.'s 'Celebrity Big Brother,' received a formal warning from the show's producers after making comments deemed 'offensive and unacceptable' towards fellow contestant JoJo Siwa. During their interaction, Rourke made remarks about Siwa’s sexual orientation, suggesting humorously that she would 'not be gay anymore' if he stayed on the show longer. The comments escalated when he used a homophobic slur, leading to a confrontation. Siwa responded assertively, supported by British TV host Chris Hughes, who intervened to call out the inappropriate language.

The incident highlights ongoing issues of homophobia and inappropriate language in reality television. Rourke, after being reprimanded in the show's Diary Room, offered an apology to Siwa, citing his tendency to 'talk smack' without malicious intent. The episode underscores the importance of respectful communication and the responsibilities of reality TV participants to adhere to acceptable conduct. It also brings attention to the pressures and dynamics within reality TV environments, where personal comments can have broader social implications.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article effectively reports on a controversial incident involving Mickey Rourke and JoJo Siwa on 'Celebrity Big Brother UK.' It provides a clear narrative of the events and highlights the reactions of those involved. However, the story could benefit from more balanced perspectives and external commentary to enhance its depth and credibility. The article is timely and relevant, addressing issues of language and behavior in media, which are of public interest. While it captures attention and has the potential to provoke discussion, its impact is somewhat limited by the lack of broader context or expert analysis. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible, making it a valuable contribution to ongoing cultural conversations about respect and representation.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story reports on an incident involving Mickey Rourke and JoJo Siwa on 'Celebrity Big Brother UK.' It accurately describes the sequence of events where Rourke made comments perceived as offensive and received a formal warning. However, the context of Rourke's use of the term 'fag'—whether he was genuinely referring to a cigarette or using it as a slur—is not entirely clear. The article mentions that British slang for 'fag' is a cigarette, which is accurate, but the potential dual interpretation of Rourke's comment isn't thoroughly explored. This ambiguity affects the precision of the reporting. Additionally, while the story states that Rourke apologized, it doesn't delve into the sincerity or public reception of his apology, which could provide more depth.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the incident from the perspective of JoJo Siwa and the producers of 'Celebrity Big Brother,' who found Rourke's comments offensive. While Rourke's apology is mentioned, the article does not provide a comprehensive view of his side or any defense he might have offered beyond his apology. This creates a slight imbalance, as the focus is more on the reaction to his comments than on his perspective. Including viewpoints from other contestants or a statement from Rourke's representatives might have provided a more balanced narrative.

8
Clarity

The article is written in a clear and straightforward manner, making it easy for readers to follow the sequence of events. The language is accessible, and the structure logically progresses from the incident to the aftermath and apology. However, the article could benefit from clearer delineation between reported facts and interpretations or opinions, particularly regarding the intent behind Rourke's comments and the potential cultural differences in language use.

5
Source quality

The story relies on information from the 'Celebrity Big Brother' show and interactions between contestants, which are direct sources of the incident. However, it lacks external verification or commentary from independent experts or media analysts who could provide context about the show's handling of such incidents. The article does not cite any external sources or interviews with involved parties outside the show's context, which could enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the events leading to Rourke's warning and apology but lacks transparency regarding the editorial process or the sources of its information. While it mentions reaching out to Rourke, Siwa, and ITV for comments, it does not disclose whether any responses were received. Additionally, the article does not explain the criteria for what constitutes 'offensive and unacceptable' language according to the show's producers, which could help readers understand the context better.

Sources

  1. https://www.nbcrightnow.com/lifestyles/entertainment/celebrity-big-brother-mickey-rourke-uses-gay-slur-toward-jojo-siwa-gets-formal-warning/article_30a15d4f-fb25-5232-9c41-d2ffce2fdd23.html
  2. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/celebrity-big-brother-2025-mickey-rourke-cbb-live-updates-b2730333.html
  3. https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65225984/