Mickey Rourke Urges Fans to Claim GoFundMe Refunds After $90K Raised

Actor Mickey Rourke has told fans to request refunds from a GoFundMe campaign set up in his name that raised over $100,000 to help him avoid eviction from his Los Angeles home. The 73-year-old star says he did not know about the page and finds the situation embarrassing. He reports that $90,000 remains to be returned as he settles into a new apartment.

Background

Mickey Rourke faced money troubles after the COVID-19 pandemic and the writers' strike hit his work hard. He borrowed cash from a friend to cover bills during that time. Reports surfaced last month that he owed about $60,000 in back rent for his Los Angeles rental due to poor living conditions there. His landlord served him a notice to pay up or leave.

On Sunday, a GoFundMe page appeared online with a goal of $100,000. It said the money would keep Rourke in his home. Donors responded fast, pushing the total past the target to more than $100,000. The page claimed it had Rourke's permission, but he soon said that was not true.

Rourke made a video on social media on Monday. He looked straight at the camera and spoke plainly about his feelings. He admitted to tough times but stressed he would never ask fans for help. The video spread quickly, leading to questions about who started the fundraiser and what would happen to the money.

His manager, Kimberly Hines, stepped in to explain. She said she created the page with good intentions to help him out. Hines told reporters that Rourke agreed to get some financial support but may not have grasped how it would work. She noted the campaign paused donations after Rourke spoke out.

Rourke's career has had ups and downs. He earned an Oscar nod for 'The Wrestler' in 2008. Before acting, he boxed professionally. Lately, work slowed, but things are picking up again.

Key Details

Rourke posted the video on Instagram, using strong words to make his point clear. He repeated that fans should not donate and to get refunds if they already had.

"Don't give any money. And if you gave money, get it back. I'm very grateful for what I have. I've got a roof over my head. I've got food to eat, I've got bananas, everything's OK. Get your money back, please. I don't need anybody's money. I wouldn't do it this way. I've got too much pride. This ain't my style." – Mickey Rourke

In the same video, he said he did not even know what GoFundMe was before this. He called the whole thing frustrating. Rourke confirmed he moved to a new apartment in Los Angeles. Celeb friends reached out with support, and he now has offers for at least four movie roles.

Fundraiser Status

The GoFundMe hit over $100,000 before pausing. Rourke says $90,000 sits in the account waiting for refunds. GoFundMe rules let donors request money back within a set time. His manager agrees that if Rourke wants no part of it, all funds will go back to donors. She set it up to cover eviction costs but now follows his lead.

Rourke stopped paying rent because of issues like bad conditions in the rental. He surrendered a shotgun to the local sheriff amid the eviction process, according to reports. No charges came from that. The landlord wanted the back rent paid.

Public reaction mixed surprise with support. Fans donated quick, thinking Rourke needed help. Others questioned why a star like him faced this. Social media buzzed with posts about the fast fundraising and Rourke's response.

What This Means

For Rourke, the episode spotlights his current spot in Hollywood. New work offers suggest a comeback. The new apartment means no immediate housing crisis. Friends in the industry stepping up shows he has a network despite rough patches.

Donors now face choices on refunds. GoFundMe processes take time, but most can get money back easy. The $90,000 left means many have not asked yet. This tests how platforms handle celeb-linked campaigns that go off track.

His manager's role raises talks on boundaries between reps and stars. Hines acted from concern, but Rourke's pushback sets a line on public appeals. It may make teams think twice before launching fundraisers without full buy-in.

Rourke's pride comes through strong. He ties it to his boxing days and long career. Rejecting the money keeps his image as a tough, independent guy. Fans respect that, even if some gave out of care.

The story shifts focus to his next projects. With roles on the table, eyes turn to what he picks. Eviction woes fade as work ramps up. Hollywood watches how he bounces back, as he has before.

Broader, it shows money struggles hit stars too. Pandemics and strikes affect everyone in film. Rourke's case reminds that even Oscar nominees deal with rent hikes and slow gigs. His call for refunds closes one chapter clean.

Reports say he sorts the rest with GoFundMe directly. Donors get updates on their claims. Rourke stays vocal on social media, thanking support but sticking to his no-handouts stand.