In April 2025, actress Bella Thorne publicly accused her former co-star Mickey Rourke of abusive behavior during the filming of the 2020 thriller Girl. Thorne detailed the alleged incidents on social media, describing them as some of the most distressing experiences of her acting career. These revelations have reignited discussions about on-set safety and professionalism in the film industry.
Allegations of On-Set Misconduct
Thorne recounted a specific scene where her character was restrained with zip ties. She alleged that Rourke, instead of following the scripted action, used a metal grinder to repeatedly strike her genital area through her jeans, resulting in bruises on her pelvic bone. She described the experience as “one of the all-time worst” in her career. Additionally, Thorne claimed that Rourke deliberately humiliated her during another scene by revving an engine to cover her in dirt. She also stated that Rourke refused to communicate with the film’s director and producers, forcing her to enter his trailer alone to persuade him to continue filming.
Rourke’s Response
Rourke’s representatives responded to Thorne’s allegations by expressing concern and denying any intentional misconduct. They stated that Rourke was unaware of any issues during filming and emphasized his willingness to cooperate with any appropriate inquiries.
Context of the Allegations
Thorne’s accusations emerged shortly after Rourke faced criticism for making offensive remarks to fellow contestant JoJo Siwa on Celebrity Big Brother UK. Rourke received a formal warning from the show’s producers for his comments, which included inappropriate remarks about Siwa’s sexuality.
Industry Reactions and Broader Implications
Thorne’s revelations have sparked discussions about the importance of maintaining safe and respectful environments on film sets. Industry professionals and advocacy groups have emphasized the need for clear protocols to address and prevent misconduct during productions. The incident also highlights the challenges actors may face when working with colleagues who exhibit unprofessional behavior, and the potential impact on their mental and physical well-being.
Bella Thorne’s History of Speaking Out
Bella Thorne has long been outspoken about her experiences in the entertainment industry, including past incidents of abuse and misconduct. As a former child star who rose to fame on the Disney Channel, she has repeatedly emphasized the importance of accountability in Hollywood. Her decision to go public with her allegations against Mickey Rourke fits into a larger pattern of using her platform to highlight the mistreatment of women in the industry. In past interviews, Thorne has discussed the emotional toll that such experiences can have on young actors, particularly women who often feel pressured to remain silent out of fear of professional backlash. She stated that she hopes sharing her story will empower others to come forward and help normalize conversations around consent, boundaries, and respect on set.
Calls for Change in the Industry
In the wake of Thorne’s recent allegations, there have been renewed calls for more robust union protections, improved on-set monitoring, and clearer guidelines for handling complaints in real-time. Advocacy groups such as Time’s Up and SAG-AFTRA have issued statements reinforcing their commitment to safer work environments and supporting actors who report inappropriate behavior. Thorne’s story is now part of a broader cultural reckoning in Hollywood — one that demands greater transparency, proactive measures, and genuine accountability.
Conclusion
Bella Thorne’s allegations against Mickey Rourke have brought renewed attention to the issue of on-set misconduct in the entertainment industry. As the situation develops, it underscores the necessity for robust measures to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals involved in film and television
