Hollywood star Mickey Rourke has furiously rejected a crowdfunding effort launched to save him from eviction, branding the public appeal for money as "humiliating" and "embarrassing." The 73-year-old Sin City actor, facing the loss of his Los Angeles home over alleged unpaid rent, took to Instagram to vehemently deny any involvement with the fundraiser, which had nearly reached its $100,000 goal.
A Campaign Launched Without Consent?
The controversy began when a fundraiser titled 'Support Mickey to Prevent Eviction' appeared on GoFundMe last Sunday. It was organised by Liya-Joelle Jones, who identified herself as an assistant to Rourke's manager, Kimberly Hines. Jones claimed the campaign was created with the actor's "full permission" and aimed to cover $59,100 in back rent he allegedly owes, following a three-day pay-or-quit notice served in December.
By Monday evening, the campaign had garnered significant sympathy, raising $96,881 from donors moved by descriptions of Rourke's financial hardship and his legacy in films like Diner and 9½ Weeks. However, the actor's subsequent video statement threw the entire endeavour into chaos.
Rourke's Blistering Rejection
In a passionate Instagram video, clad in a bright pink T-shirt, Rourke expressed his "confusion" and "frustration." He staunchly denied knowing about the GoFundMe, stating, "I wouldn't know what a GoFundMe foundation is in a million years." His rejection of charity was absolute and graphically phrased: "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 supporters to request refunds and vowed to investigate who was behind the campaign, suggesting only one person might be responsible. "It's humiliating," he added. Despite his financial troubles, Rourke insisted his pride would prevent him from asking strangers for help, admitting he had borrowed money from a friend instead.
Eviction Threats and Housing Disputes
The eviction threat stems from a legal complaint filed by landlord Eric T. Goldie in Los Angeles Superior Court. Rourke, who has leased the three-bedroom property since March at $5,200 per month, is accused of failing to comply with the December notice to pay the overdue sum or vacate. The landlord seeks unpaid rent, legal costs, and termination of the lease.
Rourke offered a justification for withholding rent, claiming the house has "rotten" floors, is infested with rats and mice, and has severe plumbing issues. "One bathtub and two different sinks get no water," he asserted.
Amid the turmoil, Rourke was reportedly seen checking into an upscale West Hollywood hotel, where rooms start at $550 nightly, and movers were spotted at his home. This juxtaposition of luxury and hardship underscores the complex nature of his "rich poor" lifestyle, as described by sources, where he lives "paycheck-to-paycheck" despite his past fame.
A Career of Peaks and Troughs
The incident casts a new light on the turbulent career of the Oscar-nominated actor. Once a magnetic leading man in the 1980s, Rourke's career faltered after a hiatus for professional boxing, which led to significant facial injuries and reconstructive surgeries. His critically acclaimed comeback in The Wrestler (2008) earned him a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination, but roles again dwindled afterwards.
Reflecting in his video, Rourke admitted to doing a "terrible job" managing his career, citing a lack of diplomacy and the lasting damage from past experiences. "I had to go to over 20 years of therapy to get over the damage that was done to me years ago," he shared, portraying a figure grappling with the consequences of his past both personally and professionally.
The future of the nearly $100,000 in donations remains unclear, as does the resolution of Rourke's housing dispute. The actor concluded his message by assuring fans he was fine and reiterating, "get your money back."
