During his introduction to the house, Rourke was physically guided in by hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best and participated in a conga line led by JoJo Siwa.

Despite Rourke's subsequent apology, public sentiment has turned against him, with many viewers demanding stronger action, including his removal from the show.

Recent data indicates Rourke has a negative sentiment score of -20%, the lowest among housemates, reflecting strong disapproval from the audience.

Since the launch of Celebrity Big Brother UK on April 7, 2025, the behavior of 72-year-old actor Mickey Rourke has raised significant concerns among viewers and fellow housemates.

Rourke faced backlash for his unsettling interactions with host AJ Odudu, which many viewers labeled as 'creepy' and 'vile', including inappropriate gestures that made her uncomfortable.

Public figures, including Chrishell Stause, have expressed support for Siwa, calling for Rourke's eviction following the incident.

The situation escalated when Rourke used a homophobic slur while gesturing towards Siwa, prompting fellow contestant Chris Hughes to reprimand him for his language.

An ITV spokesperson noted that all contestants undergo training regarding respect and behavior expectations before entering the Big Brother house.

This incident has sparked broader discussions about language and behavior towards LGBTQ+ individuals in reality television.

On April 8, Rourke caused further criticism by spilling milk during a task, appearing confused and out of touch with the show's dynamics.

After being warned by Big Brother about his offensive behavior, Rourke acknowledged the feedback and stated he did not intend any harm, admitting he was not taking the situation seriously.

Odds from Card Player suggest Rourke is likely to be removed from the show before the first public eviction, with a 6/4 chance of this occurring.