The cast of the hit MTV reality series Jersey Shore refers to itself as family -- but it's definitely a dysfunctional one. In fact, the tension between Mike "the Situation" Sorrentino, 27, and the rest of his housemates was palpable during a recent cast event -- especially because Mike arrived almost four hours late after going out the night before and staying out until 8 a.m. "The cast never said anything, but eyes were rolling," says an eyewitness. "They all had a certain attitude toward him."

And with good reason. "He seems to be letting all the attention he's been getting go to his head," says another eyewitness who spent a night out clubbing with the cast in NYC recently. "He spent most of that night wearing a gray velour blazer and reclined on top of a banquette, like a prima donna trying to look as if he owned the place."

But Mike's behavior wasn't just for the benefit of fans during a night out. "He's a character," Ron "Ronnie" Margo, 24, tells Life & Style. During filming, "it was kind of entertaining watching the things he did. He's just someone looking for attention." Jenni "JWoww" Farley, 24, has her own issues with Mike. "He shows off his body and tries to portray himself as the alpha male," Jenni tells Life & Style. "He always butts heads with everyone. He [thinks] the house revolves around him. Everyone else just kind of sits around and laughs at him."

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Photo Credit: Joshua Kessler