It’s deeply disrespectful and damaging..." - Actor Mickey Rourke pursues legal action against Celebrity Big Brother UK after controversial exit

Premiere Of Dimension Films
Model Anastassija Makarenko and actor Mickey Rourke arrives for the Premiere Of Dimension Films' "Sin City: A Dame To Kill For" held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on August 19, 2014 in Hollywood, California.- Source: Getty

Actor Mickey Rourke, who caused intense controversy last week when he used inappropriate language while talking about his fellow "Celebrity Big Brother UK" housemate Jojo Siwa, is now pursuing legal action after his sudden exit. Rourke's manager, Kimberly Hines, released a statement with People Magazine. She addressed the exit by saying:

"It’s deeply disrespectful and damaging"

This legal move comes days after Mickey Rourke was removed from the reality show through mutual agreement with the showrunners.

A representative for "Big Brother UK" said in a statement:

"Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behavior."

More about Mickey Rourke's legal move, following exit from Big Brother

Mickey Rourke was caught on camera last week using what was perceived by audiences to use of homophobic language. The Angel Heart actor, who is known for his provocative behavior, asked the Karma singer about her relationship before saying:

"If I stay longer than four days, you won't be gay anymore."

To this, Jojo Siwa responded by saying:

"I can guarantee I'll still be gay and I'll still be in a very happy relationship.

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Rourke went on to make other inappropriate comments regarding the singer's sexuality. The interaction caused outrage among fans, who were quick to come to Siwa's defense, demanding immediate action be taken against Rourke.

According to People Magazine, the Sin City actor was warned by producers, who stated that such further behavior of this kind would lead to his elimination.

Later on 13 April, The Wrestler actor was asked to leave the reality TV show following an alleged altercation with fellow contestant Chris Hughes. Rourke later released a statement, where he apologized for his past behavior, saying:

"You know, I stepped over the line, and I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing. Because I lost my temper, and I've been trying to work on it my whole life."

He further added

"And I wish I would have had better self-control. I'm very sorry. I'm ashamed of myself for losing it for a few seconds there."

The legal move by Mickey Rourke primarily comes after a dispute regarding the payment of his fees for appearing on Big Brother UK. The statement released by his agent further accuses the showrunners of using Rouke's presence and personality to create something "explosive, controversial and attention-grabbing," alleging "that’s exactly what they got, and more." The statement continues:

"There’s no question that when Big Brother booked Mickey Rourke, they were fully aware of both his public persona and how it aligned with his Hollywood rebel image. To add insult to injury, Big Brother is now refusing to pay Mickey his full agreed-upon fee. His legal team is currently pursuing the matter."

Kimberly Hines continued on behalf of Mickey Rourke, saying:

"In our discussions, Big Brother was made fully aware of Mickey Rourke’s background and lifestyle. Yet rather than handle it professionally, they took it too far β€” publicly embarrassing him and using his removal as a marketing tool. That’s not just unprofessional; it’s deeply disrespectful and damaging."

Soon after the incident with Jojo Siwa, actress Bella Thorne claimed that Mickey Rourke allegedly intentionally bruised her during filming of a scene for their movie Girl, adding that filming the movie with him was an all-time horrible experience for her. Mickey Rourke has denied all claims.

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Edited by Abhimanyu Sharma