Oscar-nominated actor Mickey Rourke has expressed outrage over a GoFundMe campaign launched without his permission, which aimed to raise funds to pay his overdue rent. The 73-year-old star of The Wrestler said the fundraiser, initiated on January 4 in Los Angeles, portrayed false financial hardship and raised more than $100,000 before being halted.
The campaign reportedly collected $60,000 to cover rent owed to a Los Angeles landlord, though Rourke insists he had no involvement and condemned the initiative as a “vicious cruel godamm lie” meant to exploit his name, according to a social media post from the actor.
Details and Reactions to the Fundraiser
The fundraiser is believed to have been created by individuals connected to Rourke’s management team, though his manager, Kimberly Hines, maintains the actor was aware and gave consent to the effort. Despite this, Rourke has strongly denied any approval and described the situation as deeply embarrassing and upsetting.
In his social media statements, Rourke said,
“There will b severe repercussions to individual who did this very bad thing to me and anyone who knows me knows payback k will be goddamm severe!!!!!!”
He emphasized the personal shame caused by the scam and the dishonesty involved.
Friends of the actor, upon learning about the GoFundMe, offered him housing and financial support, which Rourke said he would never want to ask from his fans. He added,
“iam ‘sooo upset & enbarassed’ about ‘SCAM’ TO RAISE MONEY FOR ME!! WHICH WAS AS IVE STATED A CRUEL ENBARRASMENT.”
Ongoing Efforts to Address Donor Refunds and Accountability
Rourke revealed that his legal team is actively working to return most of the donations, although he admitted that approximately 90% of the funds are still unrecovered. He expressed hope that those responsible for the fundraiser would not benefit financially from the scheme.
This controversy highlights the risks celebrities face when third parties initiate fundraising campaigns without authorization, tarnishing reputations and misleading the public. The actor’s vow of severe consequences signals potential legal or personal action against the individuals involved.
