Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community which some readers may find distressing.
Last night's episode (9 April) of Celebrity Big Brother was a shocking one indeed as ITV viewers watched on while Mickey Rourke made a series of homophobic remarks against his housemate, JoJo Siwa.
Understandably, the ordeal has sparked major outrage online, with many rushing to social media to slam Mickey after he explicitly asked the 21-year-old Dance Moms star - who identifies as a lesbian - about her sexuality.
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Mickey responded by telling JoJo 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."
Rourke then vowed he would 'tie her up' in a what her partner has since branded a 'rape joke'.
But who is JoJo's partner, and what exactly have they said about the situation?
What has JoJo Siwa's partner said?
JoJo's partner, Kath Ebbs, who is non-binary, took no time to break their silence on the 'rape joke' made by Mickey.
Branding him a 'pig' in a series of understandably furious Instagram stories, Kath explained: "The five-minute clip, which was the whole conversation has so many f*cking layers to it, it is crazy. Firstly, he asked her if she was into boys or girls. She answers that she is gay.
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"He then proceeds to tell her that he is going to turn her straight if he is in the house long enough. She shuts it down,"
"Once she shuts it down he says he is going to tie her up. That is a rape joke. That is. Call it what it is."
Who is Kath Ebbs?
Kath, who JoJo explained on the TV programme identifies as non-binary, works as an 'occasional' actor, presenter and DJ - according to the bio on their Instagram account, which boasts 90.2k followers.
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The 27-year-old Aussie's bio also says they co-host the I've Always Said That podcast.
Kath also adds that they are a 'line dancing enthusiast'.
What has Big Brother said?
A Big Brother spokesperson 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.
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"Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and instances of inappropriate behaviour are dealt with appropriately and timely."
Topics: Celebrity, JoJo Siwa, Reality TV, TV And Film, ITV, Celebrity Big Brother, Sex and Relationships, LGBTQ,
Rhiannon Ingle