1 week Ago By Chloe Govan
Celebrity Big Brother sparked nearly 100 Ofcom complaints within minutes of the launch episode after Mickey Rourke's behaviour towards host AJ Odudu shocked viewers at home. Mickey Rourke could be seen leering at AJ, who was made so uncomfortable by his attention that she urged; "I want you to stop looking at me!" Co-host Will Best also stepped in to protect her after Mickey grabbed her arm and was seen supportively holding her hand as they presented a later segment. The 72-year-old actor, who is a BAFTA winner and former Oscar nominee, is almost twice AJ's age but he had no inhibition as he zoned in on her.
After she knocked him back and directed him towards the door, he challenged: "No, I want to stay with you." Concerned fans raised 89 Ofcom complaints, as well as taking to social media in protest of his behaviour. Some have demanded that Mickey should be sent packing, branding him "cringey and creepy".
"Disgusting, get him out!" exclaimed one viewer, while another took to X to express that she was "scared for all the women in that house". A third called for his dismissal in no uncertain terms, writing: "I don't care if bosses are paying her £500,000, nor do I care that he's an Oscar-winning Hollywood star. Reprimand Mickey Rourke for his slimy, inappropriate touching of AJ Odudu and remove him from the #CBBUK house immediately.
" A fourth agreed: "Oh dear. Not a fan of Mickey already after that entrance..
." However, one viewer joked: "I needed a scandal this season and I believe Mickey Rourke will provide it." It also emerged that Mickey had landed himself in trouble by making "homophobic slurs".
He'd joked that he would be "voting out the lesbian" in reference to fellow contestant JoJo Siwa - and received a backlash from offended viewers. He was cautioned on screen: "That's homophobia!" and later "accepted responsibility" and "apologised" for the jokey comment. However, GB News' Entertainment Editor Alex Davies defended him , suggesting ITV had "set him up to fail" and that now a national treasure and former Hollywood "heartthrob" would be known merely as a "bigot".
We reported on the action as it unfolded this morning - read more here ..
