1 week Ago By Lisa McLoughlin
Mickey Rourke is facing backlash after making what many viewers called inappropriate physical advances towards Celebrity Big Brother host AJ Odudu during Monday night’s live launch show. The 72-year-old Hollywood actor, known for his roles in Sin City, The Wrestler, and Body Heat, was the final housemate to enter the ITV reality series — reportedly for a £500,000 fee. But his arrival caused a stir before he even stepped through the door.
After being introduced by co-host Will Best, Rourke approached Odudu on stage and grabbed her around the waist, spinning her in a circle. He then pulled her in close, with Odudu appearing visibly surprised. “You’re very flirtatious,” she said, as Rourke continued to hold her.
He appeared to look her up and down, complimenting her appearance and leaning back to glance at her bum. Trying to stay professional, Odudu told him: “Stop looking at me! It’s time for you to get inside the house.” She then physically turned him around by the shoulders and guided him towards the entrance.
But as Rourke paused to wave at the crowd, he attempted to drag Odudu into the house with him, prompting co-host Best to intervene and say: “Don’t take AJ with you!” It was later brought up on Big Brother: Late & Live, with guest Alan Carr joking, “Can we talk about Mickey Rourke looking at you? Wow his eyes. “Find someone who looks at you like Mickey Rourke looks at you. His tongue was hanging out!” Odudu responded lightheartedly, saying: “You can’t afford these feathers, Mickey!” But the crowd reaction was less forgiving, with audible boos when the moment was mentioned.
The incident also didn’t go unnoticed by the audience or ITV viewers who took to X, formerly Twitter to comment on his “creepy” behaviour. One wrote: “Got to feel for AJ there, getting harassed live on tele trying to stay professional..
. Mickey first out hopefully.” “I put money on Mickey Rourke getting kicked out within the next few days.
How he treated AJ was totally unacceptable,” another claimed. A third added: “Everyone’s joking about Mickey Rourke, and I get why, but I want to be serious for a second. “No female TV presenter should be made to feel like AJ just did.
He shouldn’t have been allowed on this show if he can’t control himself around women. I hated that ngl.” Another viewer shared: “Someone get some security for AJ from Mickey Rourke because what the hell was that????” Others called his actions “ harassment ”, with one writing: “ Watching Mickey Rourke basically harass AJ is the most uncomfortable thing I've seen.
” The Standard have contacted ITV for comment..
