Dance Moms dancer, Nickelodeon child star, singer, and reality TV staple Jojo Siwa had a rough few months in 2024 over some problematic comments and behavior.
But 2025 is looking brighter as the public rallies to her defense.
Actor and boxer Mickey Rourke attacked Siwa with several homophobic comments and slurs while both Americans were participating in Celebrity Big Brother UK, which is aired on the British ITV network.
Despite being the only Americans in the UK's Big Brother house, Rourke didn't try to form an alliance with Siwa.
Rourke began by asking the 21-year-old about her sexuality, then said he "could tell" after Siwa self-identified as a lesbian, but added that her partner—Australian actor, presenter, and health/fitness content creator Kath Ebbs—is non-binary.
The actor later told Siwa he could change her sexuality if he was around for more than 4 days.
To which Siwa responded:
"I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship."
After stating he could use force against Siwa to "convert" her, Rourke declared he'd vote out the lesbian "real quick."
Siwa responded:
"That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning."
You can see the inexcusable behavior by Rourke—who is more than 50 years Siwa's senior—and the aftermath here:
- YouTubeyoutu.be
Not shown in the clip posted by the Big Brother UK franchise's YouTube account was the reprimand Rourke received for his offensive behavior and for violating the rules he agreed to follow. Rourke is only seen being called to the Diary Room after he reentered the house.
Once inside, the voice of Celebrity Big Brother UK told Rourke:
"Mickey, before you entered the ‘Big Brother’ house, the rules regarding unacceptable language and behavior were explained to you."
After a brief exchange with the actor, the voice announced:
"As a result, Big Brother is giving you a formal warning. Further language or behavior of this nature could lead to you being removed from the Big Brother house."
You can see what happened in the Diary Room here:
After emerging, Rourke told his housemates:
"Boy, did I get chewed out."
The group discussed what happened and how they felt about it with Rourke, who later offered a formal apology to Siwa, who accepted it and continued to be friendly to the actor.
While his housemates ultimately accepted Rourke's apologies, the public was less forgiving.
@kileywrestling/Bluesky
Rourke was called out again later for body shaming housemate actor and comedian Donna Preston.
Rourke was nominated for eviction from the Big Brother house and many fans are now demanding it. His fate won't be revealed until the next episode airs tonight.
