Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke has launched a furious and explicit public denouncement of an online fundraiser set up in his name, designed to cover $60,000 in alleged unpaid rent on his Los Angeles home.
'Not My Style': Rourke's Blunt Social Media Rejection
In a video posted to social media, the 71-year-old star of 'The Wrestler' expressed confusion and anger over the GoFundMe appeal, which he claimed was created without his knowledge. The fundraiser was reportedly initiated to prevent his eviction from a historic property once inhabited by author Raymond Chandler.
"Something's come up that … I'm really frustrated, confused and I don't understand," Rourke stated in the clip. He vehemently rejected the notion of accepting charity, using graphic language to emphasise his point: "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."
Addressing his fans directly, Rourke insisted, "Don't give any money, and if you gave money, get it back. It's really humiliating." He revealed the fund had reportedly gathered close to $100,000 (£74,000), but stressed, "I wouldn't take a fucking nickel of charity from anybody."
Conflicting Accounts: Management's 'Nice Gesture' vs. Rourke's Ignorance
The situation is mired in conflicting stories. The GoFundMe page was created on Sunday by Liya-Joelle Jones, who is an assistant to Rourke's manager, Kimberly Hines. Jones wrote that the appeal was "created with Mickey's full permission to help cover immediate housing-related expenses."
However, Rourke contradicted this in his video, stating, "Whoever did this … I don't know why they did it. I wouldn't know what a GoFund foundation is in a million years."
When contacted by Deadline, manager Kimberly Hines offered clarification. "My assistant started it to help Mickey as a nice gesture because he was being forced out of his home," Hines explained. "It was not done with any mal intent. The money has not gone anywhere. If Mickey decides he does not want it, the money will be returned to his fans."
Underlying Dispute and a Price Paid 'For Your Past'
The controversy stems from a deeper landlord-tenant dispute. According to reports, Rourke was served with an eviction notice in late December and has been living in a hotel. Hines had previously stated the actor was threatened with eviction from the iconic property.
In his social media post, Rourke alluded to disagreements over the condition of the rental home. Striking a reflective tone, he added, "You pay the price for your past… I don't need anybody's money. I wouldn't do it this way, I got too much pride, man. It ain't my style." He also noted, "I'm not the wild man I was 20 years ago," distancing his present self from his more turbulent reputation.
The incident highlights the often-complicated relationship between celebrities, their management, and public perception, with Rourke choosing fierce independence over a potentially embarrassing public bailout.
