Mickey Rourke Responds to GoFundMe Campaign
Actor Mickey Rourke has stated that seeking charity isn’t his way. Recently, a GoFundMe page was set up by those close to him, asserting that he needed financial assistance to cover his Los Angeles home rent and avert eviction.
This campaign was initiated by Lia-Joel Jones on behalf of Kimberly Hines, who has been Rourke’s manager for almost ten years. They indicated that Rourke had provided them with “full permission” to raise funds, aiming for $60,000 to prevent losing his home. The initiative, which gathered over $100,000, was suspended after Rourke criticized it in a video shared on Instagram.
“I don’t ask for some f**king charity. I’d rather stick a gun up my ass and pull the trigger,” he remarked, further elaborating that he is quite unfamiliar with what a GoFundMe is. “My life is very simple. I wouldn’t go to outside sources like that. And, yeah, it’s embarrassing,” he added.
Background of the Fundraising
The organizers underscored the harsh reality that fame doesn’t shield one from difficulties, and talent doesn’t ensure stability, emphasizing that vulnerable individuals deserve housing and dignity.
After the backlash turned toward the fundraiser, Rourke stated he would never condone fundraising for personal benefit, urging supporters to withdraw their contributions and request refunds.
Following the video’s release late Monday, Hines defended the campaign, mentioning that both she and Jones acted with Rourke’s consent. She clarified that his management had already covered the cost of his hotel stay and moved his belongings rapidly.
“We said, ‘Mickey, there’s someone who wants to help you.’ He was like, ‘Okay, great.’ I don’t think he understood, and now with this media frenzy, he’s flipped out,” Hines remarked.
Challenges Leading to the Fundraising
Rourke’s living situation was largely impacted by his landlord raising the rent significantly and the condition of the property, which was reportedly infested with black mold and lacked running water. Hines noted that Rourke has been inundated with calls from around the globe seeking help, yet he expressed uncertainty about who started the fundraiser and mentioned he would gladly return the money if donors asked for it back.
Hines stressed the complications this situation created, as she is currently funding Rourke’s relocation and storage expenses. She noted, “The other day, Mickey calmly asked for help, and now Mickey’s like, ‘I don’t take charity.’”
