Mickey Rourke isn’t holding back.
The iconic actor has taken to social media with explosive claims about a GoFundMe campaign launched in his name, calling it a “scam” and demanding that donated funds be returned to supporters who thought they were helping him avoid eviction.
According to Rourke, over $100,000 was raised without his proper consent—and he wants every penny sent back.
But his manager tells a very different story, one that reveals deep tensions behind the scenes and raises questions about what really happened.
Actor Demands $90,000 Be Refunded Immediately
On January 15, Rourke shared multiple Instagram posts expressing his outrage over the fundraising campaign. He made it clear he wants nothing to do with accepting charity from fans.
Truthfully there is still over [$90,000] that still needs to be refunded to concerned [parties] that sent [their] money.
The 73-year-old star said his attorney was “doing everything in his power” to facilitate refunds. Rather than accepting financial help, Rourke urged his followers to direct their energy toward supporting his friend Eric Dane, who was diagnosed with ALS last year.
The Wrestler star didn’t mince words about his feelings regarding whoever initiated the campaign.
Vicious cruel godamm lie to hustle money using my [f—ing] name so [motherf—ing embarassing].
Rourke warned there would be “severe repercussions” for the individual responsible for what he described as “this very bad thing.”
Eviction Notice Sparked Fundraising Campaign
The controversy began after Rourke received an eviction notice in December demanding payment of $59,100 in alleged back rent on his Los Angeles property. He was given just three days to pay or vacate.
Shortly afterward, someone launched a GoFundMe campaign intended to “help cover immediate housing-related expenses” and prevent the actor from losing his home. According to reports, over $100,000 poured in from concerned fans and strangers who wanted to help.
But Rourke says he never asked for this assistance—and claims he had no real knowledge of what was happening until it became public.
Rourke’s Strong Stance Against Accepting Charity
In a video posted to Instagram on January 5, Rourke made his position crystal clear. He appeared frustrated and confused about why anyone would create such a campaign on his behalf.
That’s not me, okay? I’d rather, if I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for no f—ing charity. I’d rather stick a gun up my ass and pull the trigger.
Rourke insisted his life is “very simple” and that he would never turn to “outside sources” like crowdfunding platforms for financial help.
I wouldn’t know what a GoFundMe foundation is in a million years.
His comments painted a picture of an actor who values his independence and dignity above all else—even if it means facing financial hardship alone.
Manager Claims Campaign Had Actor’s Permission
Here’s where things get complicated. Kimberly Hines, Rourke’s manager, has stated repeatedly that the GoFundMe campaign was created with Mickey’s full permission.
According to Hines, someone on Rourke’s team—a woman named Liya-Joelle Jones, who identified herself as Hines’ assistant—set up the fundraiser and explicitly stated it had been authorized by Rourke himself.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hines acknowledged that while they informed Rourke about people wanting to help him out, he may not have fully grasped what was happening.
We said, ‘Mickey, there’s some people that want to help you out.’ He’s like, ‘Okay, great.’ I don’t think he understood, and now it’s taken on this media frenzy, and he flipped out.
Hines insisted nobody was trying to “grift” Rourke and emphasized her goal was getting him back to work making movies again.
Behind-The-Scenes Financial Support From Management Team
Hines revealed she has been personally financing many aspects of Rourke’s life recently—including his cable bill, moving expenses, hotel accommodations in West Hollywood, movers’ fees, and storage costs after relocating him from his previous residence.
She also mentioned bringing him movie offers that he consistently turns down while waiting for what she called “A level opportunities.”
I will continue to be loyal and resilient as I believe in his enormous talent.
However, Hines admitted her ability to financially support Rourke indefinitely has limits.
He should probably take this help, because unless he goes back to work, I can only finance him for so long. I’m not a Getty. I’m a working woman.
Refunds In Process According To Manager
Following Rourke’s latest Instagram outburst demanding refunds for donors, Hines confirmed Friday that steps are being taken toward returning donated funds.
She told PEOPLE magazine they have given “the green light and proper documentation” needed for facilitating refunds back to all donors who contributed during the campaign.
Whether all $90,000+ will actually make its way back into donors’ pockets remains unclear—but both sides appear aligned on one thing: the money should be returned.
What This Says About Celebrity Financial Struggles
This situation highlights how complicated celebrity finances can become—and how easily miscommunication between talent and their teams can spiral into public spectacles.
Rourke clearly values maintaining control over his image and independence above accepting handouts—even when facing eviction notices or serious financial pressure.
His fierce rejection of charity reflects pride common among many aging stars navigating Hollywood’s unforgiving economics after years away from major projects.
Meanwhile, those around him appear caught between wanting genuine assistance for someone they care about professionally—and respecting boundaries around autonomy during vulnerable moments.
For now? Expect refunds heading back toward well-meaning donors who thought they were helping an icon—but ended up caught between conflicting narratives instead.