Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke is facing mounting financial difficulties after a crowdfunding campaign claiming he was at risk of eviction sparked confusion and public disagreement over his personal circumstances.
The Oscar-nominated actor and former professional boxer has publicly distanced himself from a GoFundMe page titled “Help Mickey Rourke Stay in His Home”, which raised close to $100,000 in a matter of days. The page alleged that Rourke was confronting an “urgent” threat of eviction and required immediate financial support to cover housing-related expenses.
In a video message posted on Instagram to his nearly half a million followers, Rourke described the fundraiser as “humiliating” and said he was both “frustrated” and “confused” by its existence. He stressed that he was not behind the appeal and did not authorise it in the manner being presented.
“Somebody set up some kind of foundation or fund for me… and that’s not me,” Rourke said. “If I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for charity.” He urged supporters who had donated to seek refunds and said he intended to consult his lawyer to clarify who was responsible for the page.
The fundraiser was organised by Liya-Joelle Jones, identified as an assistant to Rourke’s manager, Kimberly Hines. Its description stated it had been launched with Rourke’s “full permission” to prevent eviction. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Jones said the actor was “going through a very difficult time” and that the public response had been “incredibly touching”.
Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Rourke’s financial position has deteriorated significantly. According to international media, he has been staying in budget accommodation costing around $400 per night after leaving his Los Angeles home, amid claims that the property was left in disarray. Images have also circulated of the actor wearing a wig while moving between locations, fuelling further speculation about his situation.
While Rourke disputes the fundraiser’s legitimacy, the episode has nonetheless drawn attention to the scale of his financial challenges, underscoring the precarious position of a once bankable Hollywood name now grappling with instability away from the spotlight.
