Weeks after a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Mickey Rourke with rent payments, the actor publicly accused an employee of defrauding donors from the fundraiser. The $100,000 campaign, which sought to help cover nearly $60,000 in back rent, drew widespread attention, but Rourke made clear he wanted no involvement with the money raised.
Speaking to TMZ over the weekend, Rourke called the entire situation a scam.
That whole thing about the money was something that somebody who worked for me did to try and keep money for herself.
He also firmly stated his personal stance on asking for financial help.
I would never ask strangers or fans for godd— charity. Like I said, I’d rather stick a gun up my ass and pull the trigger than ask anybody for a dollar.
Rourke expressed strong frustration and confusion over the fundraiser, describing the news as humiliating.
Something’s come up that I’m really frustrated, confused, and I don’t understand,
he said.
Somebody set up some kind of foundation or fund for me to donate money. A charity. And that’s not me. If I needed money I wouldn’t ask for no charity. I’d rather stick a gun up my ass and pull the trigger.
He denied any knowledge of the fundraiser’s online platform, adding,
Whoever did this, I don’t know why they did it. I wouldn’t know what a GoFundMe is in a million years.
Rourke confirmed that all donations would be refunded by January 14, ensuring contributors would receive 100% of their money back.
Management Responds to Scam Allegations and Defends Campaign
In contrast, Rourke’s manager rejected the actor’s claims that the GoFundMe was fraudulent. She clarified the funds were intended for Mickey but were returned because he declined assistance.
This is simply not true. The money was meant for Mickey and since he refuses to accept help funds have been sent back to his fans [and] supporters.
She emphasized her ongoing involvement in Rourke’s career, stating,
I’m busy negotiating 3 contracts for him and in constant communication with him. So obviously, nothing has changed except him impulsively saying things that are not factual.
Liya-Joelle Jones, assistant to manager Hines, said she created the fundraiser with Rourke’s approval. Hines confirmed they had discussed the plan with the actor.
With your help, we were shocked that the GoFundMe took off,
she explained.
We’re like, ‘Let’s do this little GoFundMe thing. We’ll see what happens. This will help Mickey.’ And Dima, his assistant, and I were like, ‘This is good. It will help Mickey.’
Hines also detailed their attempt to involve Mickey before the fundraiser’s rapid growth attracted media attention.
We said, ‘Mickey, there’s some people that want to help you out.’ He’s like, ‘OK, great.’ I don’t think he understood, and now it’s taken on this media frenzy, and he flipped out.
The Impact of Fundraiser Disputes on Mickey Rourke’s Reputation
The controversy surrounding Mickey Rourke’s GoFundMe campaign has revealed tensions between the actor and his team regarding financial transparency and public assistance. Rourke’s vehement rejection of accepting charity clashes with the efforts made by his manager and assistants to secure relief during a difficult financial period. This disagreement has generated confusion among supporters and donors eager to help.
As the refunds proceed, the incident highlights the risks tied to fundraising efforts managed without clear communication and consensus. Going forward, Rourke’s team will likely need to coordinate closely to manage public perception and safeguard the actor’s interests. The situation also underscores the emotional impact such disputes have on celebrities reluctant to seek aid despite pressing needs.
