“It’s embarrassing” — Mickey Rourke denies authorizing GoFundMe and tells donors to get refunds
The actor says he did not approve the fundraiser, does not want public donations, and is seeking clarity on how the campaign was created.
Just one day after reports emerged that Mickey Rourke was facing eviction and had allowed a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his overdue rent, the actor has now publicly denied any involvement with the fundraiser and is asking donors to get their money back.
In an Instagram video, the 73-year-old actor said he did not create the fundraiser, does not want financial help, and finds the situation embarrassing.
What was reported earlier
As previously reported, Rourke was facing eviction from his Los Angeles rental home after falling behind on rent payments. A GoFundMe page titled “Help Mickey Rourke Stay in His Home” stated that the funds would be used for immediate housing-related expenses.
Rourke was said to be owing nearly $60,000. He had signed a lease for his home in March 2025, for $5,200 each month, which later increased to $7,000 per month. An eviction notice was issued in December after he failed to pay rent for several months.
The situation drew public attention, particularly after photos of Rourke outside his home circulated online.
Rourke’s Instagram statement
In the Instagram video, Rourke said he was confused and frustrated by the fundraiser, stressing that he did not create it and does not reflect how he would handle financial problems.
“Something’s come up that I don’t understand,” he said, adding that he would never ask the public for money. He felt embarrassed and told everyone not donate.
Rourke repeatedly urged anyone who had already contributed to get their money back. “If you gave money, get it back,” he said, explaining that accepting donations from fans or strangers is not his style. He also said he plans to speak with his lawyer to find out who set up the fundraiser.
During the video, Rourke briefly reflected on his past, acknowledging that he did not manage his career well and that earlier choices still follow him. “You pay the price for your past,” he said. He was also determined to work on his issues by himself, saying, “Like all storms, this thing will pass. And I’ll go to work, and things will get back to whatever normal is.”
How the public responded to his video
After Rourke posted the video, hundreds of people commented in his support. They comforted him, saying there was no reason to feel ashamed, and they expressed their gratitude for his long film career. One person wrote, “Everyone is always going through something. Takes a real man to speak as you did and address rumors and concerns. Still my favorite actor.”
Several people added that the fundraiser was their way to show thanks for the joy his movies have brought them over the years, mentioning well-known films like 9½ Weeks and The Wrestler. Overall, everyone thanked him for his transparency and for his courage in accepting his mistakes and working on them.
Why it matters
Rourke’s video reflects on situations in which famous people face personal or financial difficulties; people often feel concerned and may take action to help, sometimes even without the person’s consent.
Just because someone has a long career in entertainment doesn’t mean they always have a stable income. Their earnings can change, job offers can stop coming, and unexpected personal issues can add stress, no matter how successful they have been in the past.
Rourke’s reaction shows that not all celebrities feel comfortable asking their fans for money, even if their intentions are good. People like Rourke take pride in handling these situations themselves instead of appealing for charity.
The takeaway
Rourke clearly stated in his video that he doesn’t want any donations and wants people who gave money to get refunds. Although there are still some legal and housing issues to be sorted out, his public statement helps clarify his views and changes how people view the fundraiser.
Currently, Rourke is requesting that people allow him to manage the situation in his own manner. This also serves as a reminder for everyone to make sure they have accurate information before sharing opinions or donating to any fundraising efforts.
