At a Glance
- Oscar-nominated actor Mickey Rourke disavows a $100,000 fundraiser launched in his name
- Rourke calls the effort a “scam” and says more than $90,000 will be returned
- The campaign claimed it had his “full permission” to prevent his eviction
- Why it matters: Fans who donated to help the star may get their money back after public outcry
Mickey Rourke is moving to refund more than $100,000 raised on his behalf after publicly denouncing the online campaign as a “scam.” The Oscar-nominated actor told followers Friday that he never asked for money and has hired an attorney to reverse the donations.
“My attorney is doing everything in his power to make sure anyone who gave their hard earned money is quickly returned,” Rourke said in a social-media post. He added that more than $90,000 remained to be refunded as of Friday.
How the Fundraiser Started
The campaign surfaced last week after news broke that Rourke had received a notice to vacate his Beverly Grove home. The page asserted it was created with the actor’s “full permission” and painted a stark picture of his finances:
- Boxing injuries left “lasting physical and emotional scars”
- Years of “health challenges, financial strain and the quiet toll of being left behind”
- A December eviction notice demanded roughly $60,000 in back rent
The fundraiser’s narrative described Rourke as “an icon” who “gave everything to his work, took real risks and paid real costs.” It concluded that “fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability.”
Rourke Breaks His Silence
Within days the actor, 71, posted an emotional video rejecting the effort.
“I am upset and embarrassed about this fundraiser,” he said, insisting he never authorized it. Rourke stressed that he does not want fans’ money and does not understand why the page was launched.
The statement stunned donors who had already pushed the total past six figures.
| Timeline of Events |
| Date | Action |
| Last week | Fundraiser goes live, citing eviction notice |
| December | Rourke served notice for $60,000 back rent |
| Friday | Rourke calls campaign a “scam,” vows refunds |
Key Takeaways
- Rourke’s attorney is processing refunds for the bulk of the $100,000-plus raised
- The actor says he neither requested nor approved the crowdfunding appeal
- The page remains online but is no longer accepting donations
- Rourke’s next court date on the eviction has not been disclosed
