Mickey Rourke is pushing back against a six-figure GoFundMe campaign created in his name to help him avoid eviction, saying he had no prior knowledge of the fundraiser and finds it humiliating.
The 73-year-old actor and former professional wrestler was recently served a notice demanding payment of $59,100 in alleged back rent or the immediate vacating of his Los Angeles home. Shortly afterward, a crowdfunding campaign seeking $100,000 appeared online, stating it was intended to cover urgent housing expenses and prevent him from losing the property.
In a video posted to his Instagram account on Monday, Jan. 5, Rourke said he was blindsided by the campaign and questioned why it was created at all.
He described feeling “frustrated” and “confused,” emphasizing that he would never ask for public charity if he were in financial trouble.
“That’s not me,” Rourke said in the video, adding that he would never seek donations from strangers or fans under any circumstances.
He went on to say he wouldn’t even know how a GoFundMe works, calling his lifestyle “very simple” and stating that he does not rely on outside fundraising sources.
The campaign was launched by Liya-Joelle Jones, who identified herself as an assistant to Rourke’s manager, Kimberly Hines. In the fundraiser description, Jones wrote that it had been created with Rourke’s full permission. However, Rourke disputed that claim in his video, calling the situation “embarrassing,” though he said he expects to move past it.
Reflecting on his career, Rourke acknowledged making mistakes over the years, particularly in how he managed his professional life.
“I wasn’t diplomatic,” he said, explaining that he spent more than two decades in therapy addressing personal issues stemming from earlier experiences. “I’m not that person anymore.”
Rourke urged supporters not to contribute to the campaign and said he plans to consult his attorney about the matter. Despite his objections, the fundraiser had raised more than $95,000 toward its goal as of Monday evening.
“There’s only one person I can think of who would do something like this,” he said, adding that the situation felt deeply humiliating.
The actor also revealed that he recently borrowed money from a close friend after experiencing a financial setback related to a rental property. Even so, he stressed that asking fans or strangers for money is not something he would ever do.
For now, Rourke said he intends to return to work and reassured fans that he is managing.
He closed his message with a plea to those who had already donated, asking them to request refunds. “I wouldn’t do it this way,” he said. “I’ve got too much pride.”
According to property records, the home in question is a three-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot residence. Court documents state that Rourke signed the lease in March 2025 at a monthly rent of $5,200, which was later increased to $7,000. In addition to the alleged back rent, the landlord is seeking attorney fees and termination of the lease agreement.
