Topics: JoJo Siwa, Celebrity, Celebrity Big Brother, Reality TV, ITV, TV And Film
Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community which some readers may find distressing.
JoJo Siwa’s mum, Jess, has broken her silence following Mickey Rourke’s homophobic 'rape joke' made towards her 21-year-old daughter during an episode of Celebrity Big Brother.
Thursday's night's episode (9 April) of the hit reality TV programme saw Mickey, 72, brazenly ask JoJo - who identifies as a lesbian - about her sexuality. He declared that 'if [he stays] longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore', to which she responded: "I can guarantee I will still be gay and I will still be in a very happy relationship."
Mickey then vowed he would 'tie her up' in what her partner, Kath Ebbs, has since branded a 'rape joke'.
Advert
Since then, the two housemates have discussed the shocking sequence of events which left ITV viewers across the world in a state of complete disbelief.
"You know what I've realised about you? You've been through some sh*t," JoJo could be seen saying in a recent clip from the TV show as Mickey responded: "I try to not let that show."
JoJo continued: "You do a great job until you're surrounded by 13 strangers in a house and your emotions take over in a way that you never could predict."
"I'm a lot better than I used to be," Mickey went on. "That was hell on wheels 20 years ago, it took 23 years as therapy to get almost normal."
"Yeah, it's beautiful to see," JoJo praised, "in the last four days, you being forced to be here, but completely on free will at the same time."
JoJo's mum has since taken to Instagram to share the clip to JoJo's account which boasts 11.1 million followers along with the caption: "This went from heartbreaking to the purest form of acceptance; meeting someone where they are and befriending them for exactly who they are.
"Love, (Proud) Dance Mom Jess."
Other fans rushed to the comments to share their praise for how JoJo handled the situation with one Instagram user writing: "She’s stronger than I could ever be, and I applaud her bravery & patience given the situation she was put in."
"You’re so strong lmao I wouldn’t have the patience," admitted a second, while a third chimed in: "JoJo is so emotionally mature. A real credit to young people it gives me a small amount of hope."
A fourth congratulated: "She is so well spoken. I'm so proud of her."
"JoJo is pure love, what a great ambassador too she certainly kept her cool with him, not sure I would have so well!" gushed another.
And a final Instagram user added: "It shouldn’t have come down to her having to play nice but because of the way the producers dealt with the situation, she’s doing what she can. "I hope he’s voted out tomorrow."
A Big Brother spokesperson previously told Tyla: "All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectation for appropriate behaviour and language.
"Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and instances of inappropriate behaviour are dealt with appropriately and timely."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]
