Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke has publicly condemned a crowdfunding campaign set up in his name, branding the effort to save him from eviction as "humiliating" and "embarrassing". The 73-year-old Oscar nominee, facing the loss of his Los Angeles home over unpaid rent, insisted he had no knowledge of the fundraiser and would never accept such charity.
A Campaign Launched Without Consent?
The controversy began on Sunday when a fundraiser titled 'Support Mickey to Prevent Eviction' appeared on GoFundMe. It was launched by Liya-Joelle Jones, who identified herself as an assistant to Rourke's manager, Kimberly Hines. Jones claimed the page was created with the Sin City star's "full permission" and aimed to raise $100,000 to cover a substantial rent debt and provide stability.
By Monday night, the campaign had garnered significant sympathy, raising $96,881 from public donations. However, Rourke's response was swift and scathing. In a video posted to his Instagram on Monday, clad in a bright pink T-shirt, a visibly frustrated Rourke denied any involvement. "I wouldn't know what a GoFundMe foundation is in a million years," he stated.
He expressed his anger in stark terms, declaring, "If I needed money, I wouldn't ask for no f*****g charity. I'd rather stick a gun up my a** and pull the trigger." He urged those who had donated to request a refund immediately.
Financial Woes and a Defiant Stand
The eviction threat stems from a legal notice served to Rourke last month. Court documents show he was ordered to pay $59,100 in back rent on his Los Angeles property within three days or face removal. The actor, who has leased the three-bedroom home since March 2023 at $5,200 per month, allegedly failed to comply.
In his video, Rourke admitted to financial struggles but defended his decision to withhold rent, citing poor conditions at the property. He claimed the house was infested with "mice" and "rats," had "rotten" floors, and that one bathtub and two sinks received no water.
Despite these troubles, Rourke was adamant about his pride. "I would never ask strangers or fans or anybody for a nickel. That's not my style," he said. He revealed he had borrowed money from a friend but would "never" turn to public charity. The actor also confirmed he is consulting his lawyer regarding the unauthorised GoFundMe page, speculating bitterly about who might be behind it. "There's only one person I can think of that would do such a thing... It's humiliating," he added.
A Tumultuous Career and Changing Fortunes
The incident highlights the latest chapter in the turbulent career of Mickey Rourke. Once a magnetic leading man in films like 9½ Weeks and Angel Heart, his career faltered in the 1990s after a stint in professional boxing that led to significant facial injuries and multiple surgeries.
He staged a major comeback with his acclaimed, Oscar-nominated role in The Wrestler (2008), but has since described his career management as a "really terrible job." He has previously admitted to being "rich poor" and living "paycheck-to-paycheck," blaming his own past temperament for damaging industry relationships.
As the GoFundMe drama unfolded, reports emerged that Rourke had checked into an upscale West Hollywood hotel, where rooms start at $550 a night. Simultaneously, movers were seen loading belongings from his rented home into a truck, suggesting the eviction process may be advancing.
The fundraiser organiser, Liya-Joelle Jones, told The Hollywood Reporter she was "touched" by the public's response, maintaining her actions were motivated by a desire to help Rourke regain his footing. However, the actor's vehement rejection has left donors in limbo and cast a stark light on the complex reality of celebrity hardship.
