Mickey Rourke, once Hollywood’s golden bad boy, is facing eviction from his Los Angeles home after allegedly falling $60,000 behind on rent.
A GoFundMe launched by someone claiming to be part of his management team quickly raised over $70,000—but Rourke himself says he never authorized it.
In an Instagram video, the actor made his feelings crystal clear about the unauthorized fundraiser.
This latest controversy adds another chapter to a career defined by spectacular highs, devastating lows, and everything in between.
Rourke Denies Involvement in GoFundMe Campaign
Rourke didn’t mince words when addressing the fundraiser situation. In a video shared with his Instagram followers, he expressed confusion and frustration about the campaign created supposedly on his behalf.
Something’s come up that I’m really frustrated, confused, and I don’t understand. Somebody set up some kind of foundation or fund for me to donate money, like charity. And that’s not me, OK? If I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for no f—ing charity. I’d rather stick a gun up my a– and pull the trigger.
The actor made it clear he wouldn’t turn to crowdfunding even in difficult times. His pride remains intact despite the financial struggles.
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. My life is very simple. I don’t go to outside sources like that. Yeah, it is embarrassing, but I’m sure I’ll get over it like everything else.
The Eviction Notice Details
Court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court reveal Rourke initially agreed to pay $5,200 monthly for his bungalow rental. That amount later increased to $7,000 per month.
The rental agreement began earlier this year, coinciding with another turbulent period in Rourke’s life. He reportedly fell behind on payments, accumulating nearly $60,000 in unpaid rent.
From Boxing Ring to Hollywood Comeback
Rourke’s career trajectory reads like a Hollywood screenplay itself. After achieving success with films like “Body Heat,” “Diner,” “9 ½ Weeks” and “Angel Heart,” he made an unexpected pivot.
In 1991, Rourke became a professional boxer. He fought in the ring until 1994, but the physical toll was devastating.
In a 2009 Daily Mail interview, Rourke detailed the injuries that would permanently alter his appearance and career.
I had my nose broken twice. I had five operations on my nose and one on a smashed cheekbone. I had to have cartilage taken from my ear to rebuild my nose and a couple of operations to scrape out the cartilage because the scar tissue wasn’t healing properly.
Rourke later acknowledged that his reconstructive surgeries didn’t go as planned. He claimed he “went to the wrong guy to put my face back together,” resulting in complications that affected both his appearance and future casting opportunities.
Legal Troubles Through the Years
1994 Domestic Abuse Arrest
Rourke was arrested in 1994 following allegations that he assaulted his then-wife during a visit to their publicist’s office. He allegedly slapped her, knocked her down, and kicked her.
He pleaded not guilty, and charges were eventually dropped after Carre Otis failed to appear in court multiple times. Otis later wrote candidly about their tumultuous relationship in her memoir “Beauty, Disrupted.”
Already in those early days, my craving for him was at its strongest when we weren’t together. We’d be separated for a few hours, and I could think of nothing else but being with him again. We both loved the drama of it all, loved the fantasy of being head over heels in love, unable to be apart. When people ask why I would end up staying with him for so long, this is a huge part of the answer. The times we weren’t together were the times I wanted him most.
2007 DUI Arrest
In November 2007, Miami Beach police arrested Rourke on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to police reports, he made an illegal U-turn while riding a green scooter and swerved several times before being pulled over.
I’m not drunk, I didn’t even drink that much.
Rourke pleaded guilty to reckless driving and was required to complete an online driving course in addition to paying fines.
“The Wrestler” Resurrection
Rourke’s career experienced a remarkable revival in 2008 with “The Wrestler.” His portrayal of Randy “The Ram” Robinson in Darren Aronofsky’s film earned widespread critical acclaim.
The performance earned him a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and an Academy Award nomination for best actor. Many consider it one of the most dramatic comebacks in modern film history.
Following this success, Rourke appeared in several films including “War Pigs,” “Killshot,” “Ashby,” “Take Back,” “The Commando” and “The Palace.”
In a 2022 interview with Fox News Digital, Rourke reflected on his reputation and career resurgence.
The young guys are cool. They don’t care about what they hear. They judge me by my acting ability, not my old reputation. So it’s been sort of a resurrection of being able to work with younger directors. I have a love/hate relationship with acting. I enjoy what I’m doing at the moment because I can give everything that I’m taught. I have my confidence. I went through the s— that I went through, so I’m able to use it in my performances. I could be standing across from any f—ing actor. And I know that motherf—er has not seen, done or been through what I’ve been through.
Celebrity Big Brother UK Exit
Rourke’s troubles continued into 2025 when he agreed to leave “Celebrity Big Brother UK” following controversial behavior. A spokesperson confirmed his departure was related to inappropriate language and unacceptable conduct.
No physical altercation occurred, but reports indicate Rourke used “threatening and aggressive” language. He had also received a warning shortly before his exit regarding remarks about fellow contestant JoJo Siwa’s sexuality.
What the Unauthorized GoFundMe Says
Despite Rourke’s denial, the GoFundMe page paints a sympathetic picture of his journey. It describes him as someone who “gave everything to his work, took real risks, and paid real costs.”
The fundraiser characterizes his life as one that “never followed a safe or protected path” and references years of struggle including health challenges, financial strain, and the toll of being left behind by an industry that once celebrated him.
According to the page, the campaign was created “with Mickey’s full permission” to help cover immediate housing-related expenses—a claim Rourke himself has vehemently denied.
Rourke’s story remains one of Hollywood’s most cautionary tales: a talented actor whose choices led him down paths that derailed what could have been an uninterrupted legendary career. Whether he overcomes this latest challenge as he’s done before remains to be seen.