Mickey Rourke GoFundMe denial became the center of attention on Monday night after the Oscar-nominated actor made a public statement denying involvement with an online fundraising campaign using his name. Rourke addressed the situation through an emotional video posted on Instagram, where he strongly refuted claims that he was seeking financial assistance to avoid eviction from his Los Angeles home.
Rourke Rebukes Fundraising Campaign on Instagram
Mickey Rourke, holding his dog Lucky and appearing visibly frustrated, expressed his anger about the unauthorized GoFundMe page in a video message. He was clad in a pink V-neck and his familiar cowboy hat, underscoring his signature style even as he addressed a distressing personal matter.
“Somebody set up some kind of foundation or fund for me to donate money, like in a charity, and that’s not me, OK? 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.”
— Mickey Rourke, Actor
Rourke emphasized that he was both confused and embarrassed by the situation, highlighting that he does not rely on external fundraising sources and has always lived a straightforward life. He reinforced that he neither understands nor engages with online donation platforms, amplifying the distress this incident has caused.
Public Reaction and GoFundMe Campaign Details
The campaign in question was set up under the name Liya-Joelle Jones for Kimberly Hines and surpassed its target of $100,000, reflecting significant public support. The page’s description painted a narrative of Rourke as a former Hollywood force left struggling after transitioning to boxing and suffering personal setbacks, alleging abandonment by the entertainment industry.
“Whoever did this, I don’t know why they did it, I don’t understand it. I wouldn’t know what a GoFund foundation is in a million years,”
— Mickey Rourke, Actor
“You know, my life is very simple, I don’t go to outside sources like that. And yeah, it is embarrassing, but I’m sure I’ll get over it like anything else.”
— Mickey Rourke, Actor
“Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability,”
“What remains is a person who deserves dignity, housing, and the chance to regain his footing.”
The highest single donation to the page was a $5,000 anonymous contribution, followed by $2,500 and $1,500 gifts. Several comments from donors referenced Rourke’s iconic status in film, acknowledging the challenges faced by public figures during difficult times.
Financial Struggles and Rourke’s Response
Despite the viral campaign, Rourke insisted that he has always managed his struggles privately, though he did acknowledge previous financial pressures. Speaking on his eviction notice and financial standing, Rourke cited industry disruptions as major factors:
“COVID and the writers’ strike killed my money, but I was in a really bad situation with the place I was renting. Everything was good for five or six years, and then two scumbags from New York bought the house and they wouldn’t fix anything … But I would never ask strangers or fans or anybody for a nickel. I mean, that’s not my style. You ask anybody that knows me, it’s humiliating and it’s really fucking embarrassing.”
— Mickey Rourke, Actor
Despite these personal admissions, Rourke was firm that he would never seek public charity and found the entire episode profoundly humiliating. He communicated gratitude for what he currently has, reassuring supporters that he is not in immediate need of help.
“I’m going to talk to my lawyer — I hate talking to him, but I’ve had him forever and I love him. But I’m going to talk to Bill and get to the bottom of this,”
— Mickey Rourke, Actor
He urged all supporters and donors to refrain from contributing and, if possible, to request refunds for any donations made under the false impression that he was seeking assistance.
“Just get your money back, please,”
— Mickey Rourke, Actor
“I don’t need anybody’s money and I wouldn’t do it this way. I got too much pride, man.”
— Mickey Rourke, Actor
Fans, Film Legacy, and Industry Perspective
Donors and fans expressed both sympathy and admiration, referencing the entertainer’s body of work alongside key collaborators such as Matt Dillon, Diane Lane, Dennis Hopper, and legendary directors like Francis Ford Coppola. Films like Rumble Fish, The Pope of Greenwich Village, 9½ Weeks, Angel Heart, Barfly, Sin City, and The Wrestler reflect Mickey Rourke’s enduring impact on Hollywood.
“A small gesture to a film legend and modern icon, the strong & great Mickey Rourke,”
“For all the joy and inspiration you gave to mankind (and dogkind, I guess), you deserve to get supported during hard times. Hope you get back on your feet soon.”
Rourke’s connection with his audience spans decades, and despite current challenges, he remains proud of his legacy and independence. He was open about facing hardship—attributed partly to the COVID pandemic and recent industry strikes—but maintained that publicly asking for money is out of character for him and contrary to his personal principles.
What Lies Ahead for Rourke and Donors
Mickey Rourke vows to address the fraudulent campaign with his longtime lawyer Bill and ensure such situations are stopped. As he expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his resilience, he called for fake fundraising pages to be disregarded and for fans to remain cautious. The actor’s transparency reveals the emotional toll such scams can take on both celebrities and the public, and signals ongoing vigilance surrounding online charitable campaigns, especially involving high-profile names.
