Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke has publicly disowned a crowdfunding campaign that raised nearly $100,000 to prevent his alleged eviction, branding the effort "humiliating" and urging well-wishers to reclaim their donations.
A Viral Plea for Help
Over the weekend of 4-5 January 2026, a page appeared on the GoFundMe platform titled "Help Mickey Rourke Stay in His Home." It claimed the Oscar-nominated star was facing a "very real and urgent situation: the threat of eviction from his home." The organiser was listed as Liya-Joelle Jones, an assistant to Rourke's manager, Kimberly Hines. The description stated it was set up with his "full permission" to cover immediate housing costs.
The fundraiser quickly gained traction, amassing close to $100,000 from concerned fans. According to the Hollywood Reporter, which first broke the story, Jones said Rourke was "going through a very difficult time" and that the support was "incredibly touching."
Rourke's Blunt Rejection
On Tuesday 6 January 2026, the 73-year-old actor set the record straight with a video statement shared with his 488,000 Instagram followers. Sitting with his dog, Lucky, a visibly frustrated Rourke denied any involvement.
"Somebody set up some kind of foundation or fund for me, to donate money, like in a charity, and that's not me," he stated. He insisted he did not know who was responsible and vowed to have his lawyer "get to the bottom of this."
Rourke was unequivocal in his message to fans: "Don't give any money, and if you gave money, get it back… I would never ask strangers or fans or anybody for a nickel. That's not my style." He described the situation as "really f***ing embarrassing" and "humiliating."
Financial Strains and a Changed Man
In the video, Rourke acknowledged past financial difficulties, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood strikes as events that had "killed" his money. He admitted to having been in a "bad situation" with rent previously and to doing a "really terrible job" managing his career.
However, he emphasised his personal growth, stating that after years of therapy, he has "worked very hard" and is "not that wild man" of his past. He assured followers he is currently stable: "I'm grateful for what I have - I've got a roof over my head, I've got food to eat… everything's okay."
The actor, famed for roles in 9 1/2 Weeks, The Wrestler, and his recent controversial stint on Celebrity Big Brother UK in 2025, concluded with a plea rooted in pride: "Get your money back, please, I don't need anybody's money and I wouldn't do it this way, I've got too much pride."
Sky News has contacted representatives for both Rourke and his manager for further comment.
