If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.
Iron Man 2 and Sin City star condemns crowdfunding efforts to save him from eviction
Mickey Rourke was served a notice that he must pay $60,000 in back rent or else he will be evicted from his home in Los Angeles, but he says of efforts to raise funds to help, "Don’t give any money, and if you gave money, get it back"
Popverse's top stories
- Welcome to 2026! Here's how Popverse will continue to be your pop culture tour guide & bestie
- Even though he was the Punisher, people still remember Thomas Jane for his cameo on Arrested Development
- Star Wars will return in 2027 with a Stranger Things inspired makeover, teases Starfighter director
Mickey Rourke, best known for his role as Whiplash in Iron Man 2 and as the title character in Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, has fallen on hard times. Last month, Rourke was given a notice that he needed to pay $60,000 in back rent or else face eviction from his home in Los Angeles, as per Variety. Now, a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $88,100 at this time of writing - but Rourke himself has condemned the campaign, calling it "embarrassing."
"I’m really frustrated, confused and I don’t understand," the actor announced in an Instagram video posted January 5, after media reports of the campaign initially surfaced. "Somebody set up some kind of foundation or fund for me, to donate money, like charity. And that’s not me, okay? If I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for no fucking charity. I’d rather stick a gun up my ass and pull the trigger." He continues, "This thing is very embarrassing … Don’t give any money, and if you gave money, get it back. It’s really humiliating."
The campaign is reportedly organized by "the assistant to Kimberly Hines, who has been Mickey Rourke's manager for the past 9 years. Kimberly is directly involved in overseeing Mickey’s personal and professional affairs and will be responsible for ensuring that the funds raised are used solely to support him. All funds withdrawn from this campaign will be applied directly toward Mickey’s immediate needs and expenses, with full transparency and care, and strictly on his behalf," as it states in the campaign's description.
Talking to Deadline, Hines said, “My assistant started it to help Mickey as a nice gesture because he was being forced out of his home... It was not done with any mal intent. The money has not gone anywhere. If Mickey decides he does not want it, the money will be returned to his fans.”
While it's been a minute since Rourke last appeared in a movie, just nine months ago, Rourke found himself in hot water after he was ousted from Celebrity Big Brother. On Celebrity Big Brother, Rourke made a series of bizarre homophobic remarks towards Jojo Siwa (who, at the time, publicly identified as a lesbian), and made inappropriate "sexual jokes" directed at Ella Rae Wise.
A spokesperson for Celebrity Big Brother stated to the BBC that, "Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour."
Want to know what's coming up next in pop culture? Check out Popverse's guides to:
Follow Popverse for upcoming event coverage and news
Find out how we conduct our review by reading our review policy
Let Popverse be your tour guide through the wilderness of pop culture
Sign in and let us help you find your new favorite thing.
Comments
Want to join the discussion? Please activate your account first.
Visit Reedpop ID if you need to resend the confirmation email.