Mickey Rourke is trying to return more than $90,000 raised through an online campaign he never authorized, the actor said Friday, calling the effort a “scam” that left him “upset and embarrassed.”
At a Glance
- Oscar-nominated actor says fundraiser using his name was created without permission
- More than $100,000 was donated before Rourke denounced the campaign
- Attorney now working to refund every dollar, Rourke says
- Why it matters: Donors believed they were helping prevent Rourke’s eviction after a December rent notice
The campaign launched last week after reports that Rourke had been served a notice to vacate his Beverly Grove home. Within days, thousands of dollars poured in, with the page claiming it had Rourke’s “full permission.”
Rourke, 71, rejected that claim in a blunt social-media post.
“My attorney is doing everything in his power to make sure anyone who gave their hard earned money is quickly returned,” he wrote, adding that there was more than $90,000 to be returned as of Friday.
The Fundraiser’s Pitch
The GoFundMe-style page painted a grim picture of the actor’s life after boxing and Hollywood stardom:
- Boxing left “lasting physical and emotional scars”
- Health challenges and financial strain followed
- Industry “moved on quickly” after his ring career
- Fame “does not protect against hardship”
“Mickey Rourke is an icon – but his trajectory, as painful as it is, is also a deeply human one,” the page said, promising to help him avoid eviction.
December Rent Notice
Court records show Rourke was served in December with a notice to pay about $60,000 in back rent for the Beverly Grove property. The amount covers several months, according to documents reviewed by News Of Losangeles.
The fundraiser page used the eviction threat as its central appeal, saying Rourke faced losing “dignity, housing and the chance to regain his footing.”
Rourke’s Response
Within 48 hours of the campaign’s launch, Rourke posted a video to Instagram:
“I’m not asking my fans for money. I don’t understand why this was created.”
He repeated the denial Friday, telling followers the entire effort was launched without his knowledge.
Career Highlights
Rourke’s breakout came in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film “Rumble Fish.” He later earned:
- Golden Globe win for “The Wrestler” (2008)
- Oscar nomination for same role
- Lead roles in “Barfly” and “Diner”
The actor stepped away from Hollywood in the early 1990s to pursue professional boxing, returning to film a decade later.
Refund Process
Rourke says his attorney has already contacted the platform hosting the fundraiser. Donors should expect refunds within 7-10 business days, according to the legal team.
No criminal complaint has been filed, but Rourke’s representatives say they are “exploring all options” against the page’s creator.
Key Takeaways
- $100,000-plus was raised before Rourke intervened
- Actor insists he never authorized the campaign
- Refunds promised to every donor
- Eviction notice still pending in Los Angeles housing court
