Actor Mickey Rourke has publicly repudiated a $100,000 GoFundMe campaign established in his name to avert his eviction from a Los Angeles residence, characterizing the initiative as humiliating and asserting that it was undertaken without his knowledge or consent.
The 73-year-old Oscar nominee was reportedly served with a three-day notice in December demanding payment of $59,100 in alleged rental arrears, failing which eviction proceedings could be initiated. The property in question is a three-bedroom home for which Rourke agreed to pay monthly rent of $5,200 under a lease executed in March.
On Sunday, a fundraising campaign titled “Support Mickey to Prevent Eviction” was launched by Liya-Joelle Jones, who identified herself as an assistant to Rourke’s manager. Jones stated that the fundraiser was created with Rourke’s approval and described it as an effort to provide stability during a period of financial difficulty. As of Monday evening, the campaign had raised nearly its full target amount.
However, in a video posted to his verified Instagram account on Monday, Rourke denied authorizing or endorsing the fundraiser, stating that he would not solicit or accept public donations. He further indicated that he was unaware of the campaign’s existence prior to its publication and described the situation as confusing and distressing.
Rourke also asserted that his decision to withhold rent payments was linked to alleged habitability issues at the residence, including pest infestation, structural deterioration, and plumbing failures. He nevertheless instructed supporters who had contributed to the campaign to seek refunds and confirmed that he intended to consult legal counsel to address the matter and determine responsibility for the fundraiser’s creation.
In court filings dated December 29, the landlord, Eric T. Goldie, alleged that Rourke failed to comply with the payment demand and sought possession of the property, recovery of outstanding rent, legal costs, and forfeiture of the remaining lease term.
Separately, Rourke acknowledged experiencing long-standing financial instability, describing himself as living on limited income despite public perceptions of wealth. He also reflected on career decisions that he stated adversely affected his professional trajectory.
Reports subsequently emerged that Rourke had temporarily relocated to a West Hollywood hotel while the eviction dispute remains unresolved. Representatives for the actor have been contacted for comment.
Rourke remains best known for his work in films including 9½ Weeks, Angel Heart, Rumble Fish, The Wrestler, and Iron Man 2. His performance in The Wrestler earned him a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA, and an Academy Award nomination.#newsafro_
