Hollywood Star Enraged by Unauthorised Fundraiser
Oscar-nominated actor Mickey Rourke has launched a blistering attack on the organisers of a GoFundMe appeal set up in his name, vowing there will be 'severe repercussions' for what he calls a 'vicious cruel goddamn lie'. The fundraiser, which claimed to be collecting money to help the star avoid eviction from his Los Angeles home, has sparked fury and embarrassment for the actor best known for films like The Wrestler.
The Details of the Alleged Scam
The crowdfunding page was launched on 4 January with an initial goal of raising $60,000 to cover Rourke's purported overdue rent. It quickly gained traction, pulling in over $100,000 from well-wishers before being frozen just a week later. Initially, it was believed the actor's own management team might have been involved, a claim Rourke has vehemently denied from the outset.
In a series of expletive-laden Instagram posts last week, the 71-year-old actor made his feelings abundantly clear. 'I wouldn't take a nickel of charity,' Rourke declared, adding in a previous statement that he would 'rather stick a gun up my ass and pull the trigger' than accept such money. He described the entire episode as a 'SCAM' and a 'cruel embarrassment'.
Refunds and Repercussions
Rourke reported that the situation had led to longtime friends contacting him to offer accommodation and financial aid, which only deepened his distress. 'I'm sooo upset & embarrassed,' he wrote.
In an effort to make amends to those who donated in good faith, the actor has instructed his lawyer to reimburse all contributors. However, the process has proven difficult. To date, only 10% of the total funds raised have been successfully returned to donors, highlighting the complexities of undoing such campaigns.
Despite the refund efforts, Rourke's focus remains firmly on retribution against those responsible. His social media warnings were unequivocal: 'There will b severe repercussions to individual who did this very bad thing to me and anyone who knows me knows payback will be goddamm severe!!!!!!'
The incident underscores the vulnerabilities of public figures to online fraud and the rapid spread of misinformation through crowdfunding platforms, even when intentions may initially seem charitable.
