Mickey Rourke Denies Approving A GoFundMe As Questions Swirl
By Chukwudi Onyewuchi on January 6, 2026 at 9:30 AM EST
Mickey Rourke is pushing back after a GoFundMe launched in his name sparked confusion and raised serious questions about his financial situation.
The veteran actor, who is reportedly facing eviction over unpaid rent, has publicly denied approving the fundraiser despite claims from people close to him that it was created with his consent.
As donations continue to roll in, Rourke is now speaking out forcefully, calling the situation humiliating and deeply frustrating.
Mickey Rourke Slams GoFundMe Set Up In His Name
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The controversy began after a GoFundMe fundraiser appeared online early Sunday morning under the title “Support Mickey to Prevent Eviction.”
The campaign aimed to raise nearly $100,000 to help Mickey Rourke remain in his Los Angeles home after falling thousands of dollars behind in rent.
Soon after the fundraiser gained attention, Rourke posted a video on Instagram addressing his nearly 500,000 followers.
Sitting with his rescue dog Lucky on his lap, the 73-year-old appeared visibly upset as he reacted to the fundraiser.
“Something’s come up that I’m really frustrated, confused, and I don’t understand,” Rourke said.
He continued, “Somebody set up some kind of foundation or fund for me to donate money. A charity.”
Rourke was clear that the effort did not reflect his wishes, adding, “And that’s not me. If I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for charity. I’d rather stick a gun up my *ss and pull the trigger.”
Rourke Disputes Claims Of Giving Permission
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the GoFundMe was created by Liya-Joelle Jones, an assistant to Kimberly Hines, who has managed Mickey Rourke for a decade.
Both Hines and Jones told the outlet that the fundraiser was created “with Mickey’s permission.”
However, the former professional boxer has strongly denied those claims, insisting he had no knowledge of who launched the fundraiser and would never seek financial help from fans.
He described the situation as “humiliating,” saying it suggested desperation that does not reflect who he is today.
Rourke also addressed his past financial struggles, admitting he made serious mistakes earlier in his career.
“I did a terrible job managing my career. I wasn’t very diplomatic. I had to go to 20 years of therapy to get over that,” he said. “But I’m not that person anymore. I’m not that wild man I was 20 years ago.”
Mickey Rourke Faces Eviction Over Unpaid Rent
The fundraiser comes as Rourke faces eviction from his Los Angeles home after falling more than $59,100 behind in rent, according to court filings.
The “Sin City” star has lived in the three-bedroom Southern California property since March 30, 2025, and agreed to pay $5,200 per month.
On December 18, 2025, landlord Eric T. Goldie served Rourke with a three-day notice to pay or leave.
A legal complaint filed December 29 in Los Angeles Superior Court states that Rourke “failed to comply with the requirements of” that notice.
Goldie is also asking the court to force the Hollywood star to cover legal costs and forfeit the remainder of the lease.
Rourke Promises To Return All Donations
In his video, Mickey Rourke said he plans to contact his longtime lawyer, Bill Sobel, and return any money donated by fans.
“I would never ask strangers or fans for a nickel,” he said. “It’s not my style. You ask anybody who knows me. It’s humiliating and f-cking embarrassing. I want you to get your money back. All things will pass.”
He also hinted at suspicion over who may have authorized the fundraiser.
“There’s only one person I can think of that would do such a thing,” Rourke said. “I hope it’s not the person I’m thinking about.”
Despite his denial, the fundraiser continued to gain traction, nearing its $100,000 goal, with nearly $24,000 raised from more than 500 donors within its first day.
Mickey Rourke’s Career And Recent Controversies Resurface
In the GoFundMe description, Jones highlighted Rourke’s decades-long career, writing that “Mickey gave audiences performances that felt lived-in, not performed, and left a permanent mark on American film culture.”
She cited films such as “Diner,” “Rumble Fish,” and “9½ Weeks,” adding that the goal was to provide Rourke with “stability and peace of mind during an extremely stressful time.”
Meanwhile, the fundraising effort follows renewed attention on the movie star after his controversial exit from “Celebrity Big Brother.”
He left the show amid allegations of unacceptable language and behavior toward fellow housemate JoJo Siwa.
Rourke’s manager, Hines, later said that producers knew precisely who they were casting.
The show, she explained, chose Rourke for his “explosive, controversial and attention-grabbing” persona, adding, “That’s exactly what [the show] got, and more.”
