Actor Mickey Rourke has publicly disavowed a GoFundMe fundraiser set up in his name to cover his rent, labeling it “humiliating” and denying any prior knowledge. The campaign, which raised over $100,000, was initiated by his management team as he faces eviction from his Los Angeles residence.
In a candid Instagram video posted on Monday, Mickey Rourke expressed confusion and frustration over a GoFundMe page created to help him avoid eviction, insisting he would never seek charity. The 73-year-old actor, holding his dog Lucky, stated, “If I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for no fucking charity. I’d rather stick a gun up my ass and pull the trigger,” emphasizing his pride and independence.
The fundraiser, titled “Help Mickey Rourke Stay in His Home,” was organized by Liya-Joelle Jones, the assistant to Rourke’s manager Kimberly Hines, and sought $100,000 to cover immediate housing expenses. Jones claimed the campaign was launched with Rourke’s “full permission,” aiming to provide stability during a stressful time, but Rourke’s vehement denial has cast doubt on this assertion.
Rourke revealed that he received a three-day notice to pay rent or vacate on December 18, 2025, after failing to comply with rental payments for his Los Angeles home. He alleged that the property, once inhabited by author Raymond Chandler, had deteriorated with issues like mice, rats, and rotten floors, leading him to withhold rent until repairs were made.
In response, Hines told Deadline that the GoFundMe was started “in an act of desperation” after Rourke was served an eviction notice, and it was intended as a helpful gesture. She assured that the money, which had surpassed its goal, had not been disbursed and would be returned to donors if Rourke declined it, highlighting no malicious intent.
Rourke, known for his Oscar-nominated role in “The Wrestler,” reflected on his career management, admitting, “I’ve done a really terrible job,” and mentioned undergoing therapy to overcome past challenges. He distanced himself from his earlier “wild man” persona, urging fans to consult recent collaborators like directors Robert Rodriguez and Darren Aronofsky for confirmation of his changed demeanor.
The actor plans to consult his lawyer to address the situation legally and ensure all donations are refunded. He stressed, “I don’t need anybody’s money, and I wouldn’t do it this way. I got too much pride, man,” underscoring his commitment to handling the matter privately and with dignity.
This incident sheds light on the pressures faced by aging celebrities in the entertainment industry, where financial struggles can become public spectacles. Rourke’s blunt rejection of the fundraiser resonates with his longstanding image of resilience, yet it also raises questions about the boundaries of fan support and management interventions.
Moving forward, Rourke is expected to pursue legal action regarding his eviction and the unauthorized fundraiser, while his management team reassesses their approach to his affairs. The episode serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame, where personal crises can swiftly escalate into viral controversies, testing both reputations and relationships.
