Mickey Rourke’s Management Team Created a GoFundMe for Rent, Not Him
Mickey Rourke Denies Involvement in GoFundMe Campaign Amid Housing Struggles
Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke has found himself at the center of controversy following reports of his eviction from a rental property in Los Angeles. Amidst media coverage about a GoFundMe page intended to raise $60,000 for his alleged back rent, Rourke took to social media to clarify his position.
In an emotional Instagram video, the 72-year-old actor expressed his frustration over the situation. “Something’s come up that…I’m really frustrated, confused and I don’t understand,” he stated, introducing his dog, Lucky, before addressing the controversy.
Rourke emphasized that he did not authorize the fundraising campaign. “Somebody set up some kind of foundation or fund for me to donate money, like charity. And that’s not me, ok? If I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for no f*cking charity,” he said. Rourke added that he is unsure of the motives behind the initiative and plans to take legal action. “I’m going to talk to my lawyer…and get to the bottom of this,” he stated.
The GoFundMe page claims it was created with Rourke’s full permission to assist with immediate housing-related expenses, a statement that Rourke vehemently disputes. The fundraiser’s organizer, Liya-Joelle Jones, is the assistant to Kimberly Hines, Rourke’s manager for the past nine years. Hines explained that the campaign was started as a gesture of support while Rourke faced imminent eviction. "It was not done with any mal intent," she said, noting that the funds had not been spent and would be returned if Rourke declined assistance.
As Rourke deals with these financial challenges, he admitted in the video, “I’ve done a really terrible job in managing my career,” describing the resulting media scrutiny as “humiliating.” He acknowledged borrowing money from a friend and indicated that recent difficulties, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the writers’ strike, had severely impacted his financial situation.
Rourke described a deterioration in his rental conditions, stating, “I was in a really bad situation with the place I was renting,” citing issues with rats, mold, and unresponsive landlords. Hines confirmed that much of Rourke’s furniture was damaged and could not be salvaged. She noted that her team is actively working to clean and store what they can, and has arranged temporary accommodations for Rourke at a local hotel, funded by supportive figures in the industry.
Despite his current challenges, Rourke expressed gratitude for his situation. “I’m very grateful for what I have. I got a roof over my head. I’ve got food to eat,” he remarked, indicating a sense of hope as new opportunities seem to be emerging for him.
