Mickey Rourke breaks silence after being removed from Celebrity Big Brother over string of outrageously inappropriate comments

Celebrity Big Brother housemate Mickey Rourke has seemingly apologised for directing sexually-suggestive remarks towards a female co-star on the show - a move which saw him removed from the series over the weekend.

In a recent episode of the British reality TV series, the group took on a pirate-based challenge, during which the retired boxer was told by The Only Way Is Essex bombshell Ella Rae Wise, 'You've got to come with me.'

The Wrestler actor Rourke then replied, 'Come in you?' - a remark that both shocked and devastated viewers from the UK and from further afield.

Later, 24-year-old Wise told EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer of Rourke's x-rated remark: "It’s fine - you can be just someone, but be mindful of what it can trigger in other people, because it’s made me feel very uneasy."

The Essex star also became teary, claiming the comment left her feeling like 'a piece of meat'.

Responding to 72-year-old Rourke's antics, one fan of the show hit out online: "I feel so bad for ella, the fact mickey is clearly used to treating women like they’re a piece of meat and not actually human beings says a lot about him and his character.

"Cbb should be ashamed of themselves for letting it get this bad to boot out the creep b*****d."

Another continued: "The most disturbing thing was that Mickey didn’t even realise he had made inappropriate sexual comments to Ella. Then, even when told, he took no responsibility or accountability.

"He was only sorry for losing his temper with Chris. Vile predator of a man, good riddance."

The latter piece of criticism referenced a bust-up that Rourke sparked during the same episode with Love Island alum Chris Hughes, who the Oscar-nominated American actor accused of 'eyeballing' him during one of the housemate games.

"Mickey it was a joke," 32-year-old Hughes told him after Rourke began squaring up. "Don’t f***ing eyeball me. You c***," the boxer then hit back.

Big Brother subsequently intervened after the tension between the two sky-rocketed, calling Mickey into the Diary Room.

"Earlier today in a disagreement with Chris, your language and behaviour was threatening and aggressive," producers told Rourke. "Big Brother does not tolerate threatening language or behaviour. In addition, you have used inappropriate sexual language to Ella."

Rourke then responded, claiming he was 'not aware' of his behaviour towards Wise, before adding, 'but okay'.

"This language has caused offence to your fellow housemates and could cause offence to the viewing public," bosses of the show continued.

"This is not the first time Big Brother has had to speak to you about your offensive and inappropriate language."

Earlier in the series, Rourke first came under fire for directing a number of homophobic remarks at Dance Moms youngster JoJo Siwa.

As well as asking the 21-year-old - who identifies as a lesbian - about her sexuality, her also threatening that 'if [he stays] longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore'.

Rourke also vowed to 'tie her up' in what Siwa's partner has since branded a 'rape joke', after which he joked about 'voting the lesbian out'.

Another occasion saw the US star announce that he was going for a 'f*g' [cigarette], before pointing to Siwa and saying 'I’m not talking to you'.

Responding to the reference to his previous anti-LGBTQ comments, Mickey then replied with an attempt at an apology: "Yes sir. I did wrong. I apologise. I'm sorry. I can't take it back, you know, I stepped over the line. And I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing."

Seemingly referring to his altercation with Hughes, as opposed to his comments, he continued: "'Cause I lost my temper, and I've been trying to work on it my whole life and I wish I would have had better self-control and I'm very sorry."

"I'm ashamed of myself for losing it for a few seconds there. Nobody got touched or hurt.

"Maybe some feelings got hurt or maybe others have feelings about others getting upset but, you know, I'm sorry about that."

Big Brother then went on to declare: "Big Brother considers your language and behaviour today to be seriously unacceptable and as a result Big Brother has no option but to ask you to leave the Big Brother house.

"Mickey, is there anything else you'd like to say?"

Rourke then replied with a final statement, insisting: "I blame myself, I know it was my bad. You know, I've got a short fuse and I know I upset a lot of people out there, you know. And I'm sorry for that."

The former sportsman continued: "I'm actually ashamed of myself for getting that hot. I went over the line, you know, I did wrong. I guess, like they say, I'm a work in progress. I just wanna pack my bags and leave, you know. I wanted to leave yesterday actually but I wasn't chosen."