Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke has issued a furious and explicit public denial of an online fundraising campaign launched in his name, designed to cover alleged rent debts of $60,000 (£44,000) on his Los Angeles home.
A Blunt and Forceful Rejection
In a video posted to social media, the 71-year-old star of 'The Wrestler' stated he had no prior knowledge of the GoFundMe appeal and was left feeling "frustrated, confused" and deeply embarrassed by its existence. The campaign, which reportedly raised close to $100,000, was created by an assistant to Rourke's manager.
Rourke's rejection was visceral and uncompromising. "If I needed money, I wouldn't ask for no fucking charity," he declared. "I'd rather stick a gun up my ass and pull the trigger." He directly instructed his fans: "Don't give any money, and if you gave money, get it back. It's really humiliating... I wouldn't take a fucking nickel of charity from anybody."
Conflicting Accounts Over Permission
The situation is mired in conflicting statements. The GoFundMe page, set up on Sunday by Liya-Joelle Jones, assistant to manager Kimberly Hines, claimed it was "created with Mickey's full permission to help cover immediate housing-related expenses." The page suggested Rourke faced eviction from the property, a historic home once occupied by author Raymond Chandler.
However, Rourke categorically denied this in his video, saying, "I wouldn't know what a GoFund foundation is in a million years." In response, Hines told Deadline the fundraiser was started "as a nice gesture" without "any mal intent" and that all money would be returned if Rourke did not want it.
Underlying Dispute and Pride
Beyond the charity row, Rourke indicated the core issue was a dispute with his landlord over the condition of the property. His manager had previously stated he was living in a hotel after being served an eviction notice in late December, a claim corroborated by the Los Angeles Times.
Striking a reflective tone, Rourke acknowledged, "You pay the price for your past," referencing his reputation. He concluded by emphasising his personal pride, stating, "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." The episode highlights the complex intersection of celebrity news, financial strife, and public perception in the digital age.
