A disturbing allegation has resurfaced in Hollywood, and this time, it’s drawing attention from both inside and outside the entertainment industry.
While most expected Mickey Rourke’s controversial run on Celebrity Big Brother to make headlines, it was a reaction from actress Bella Thorne that reignited deeper concerns about his past conduct on a film set—specifically during the production of the 2020 revenge thriller Girl.
Thorne, 26, took to Instagram and X this week, slamming the veteran actor after a clip of his remarks to fellow CBB cast member JoJo Siwa went viral. In the footage, Rourke, 72, made what many—including Siwa—considered blatantly inappropriate comments.
Siwa, who openly identifies as gay and has a non-binary partner, was told by Rourke:
“If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.”
He added: “I’ll tie [her] up,” prompting Siwa to respond sharply,
“I can guarantee I’ll still be gay.”
ITV later confirmed that Rourke was asked to leave the reality show due to what they described as “further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behavior.”
But for Bella Thorne, the televised remarks were only the beginning.
Reacting online, the Shake It Up alum called Rourke “g*”** and recounted a chilling experience while filming Girl, in which she alleged he physically hurt and humiliated her during a pivotal scene.
“I had to work with this man – in a scene where I’m on my knees with my hands zip-tied behind my back. He was supposed to take a metal grinder to my kneecap, and instead he used it on my private area through my jeans. Hitting it over and over again,” Thorne wrote via Instagram.
She claimed the contact caused “bruises on my pelvic bone” and described the incident as
“one of the all-time worst experiences of my life working as an actress.”
The accusations didn’t stop there.
In another post, Thorne revealed that Rourke refused to speak to the director or producers, forcing her to confront him alone in his trailer.
“I had to beg. Alone. In his trailer. Since the movie could not be finished without him,” she recalled. She also stated he allegedly revved his car engine to cover her in dirt during a scene—an act she viewed as deliberate humiliation.
Despite the severity of the claims, Rourke has denied any wrongdoing.
In a statement shared with Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, Rourke’s representatives said:
“These allegations are extremely serious. Mr. Rourke adamantly denies any intentional misconduct. He was not made aware of any such concerns during filming and had no prior knowledge of Ms. Thorne’s discomfort until now.”
The spokesperson continued:
“Out of respect for all parties and given the gravity of the claims, Mr. Rourke will not be making further public comment at this time. He remains willing to cooperate with any appropriate inquiry through the proper channels. We affirm the right of every performer to feel safe and respected in their work environment.”
Thorne has not yet confirmed whether she intends to pursue legal action, but her detailed social media posts have already stirred widespread public concern and support.
With more actors speaking out about unsafe working conditions, many are demanding greater accountability in the entertainment industry—especially from veteran figures who may have previously operated unchecked.
Whether further action will be taken remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that Bella Thorne’s accusations have reignited an urgent conversation about safety, power, and respect on set.
Feature Image Credit: (Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)
